Lowe’s is the latest retailer requiring customers to wear masks during coronavirus
Mooresville-based Lowe’s Home Improvement joined a growing list of retailers requiring its customers to wear masks or face coverings to combat the novel coronavirus.
The mandate begins Monday in all of its U.S. stores, Lowe’s officials announced Friday.
While supplies last, Lowe’s will offer free masks at the customer service desks in all of its stores to customers who need them, Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
“As a retailer offering essential goods, we have a responsibility to our associates, customers and small businesses in communities nationwide to help provide a safe shopping experience,” Ellison said.
Home Depot shoppers will have to wear masks or face coverings beginning Wednesday , company officials announced Friday. Small children and anyone with a valid medical condition will not be required to wear a mask, officials said.
“About 85 percent of Home Depot stores already require facial masks in compliance with local and state regulations, and all Home Depot associates are required to wear masks in stores, distribution centers and other locations,” according to a company statement.
Other retailers, including Harris Teeter, also are requiring customers to wear masks or facial coverings in their stores.
Effective Wednesday, all Harris Teeter shoppers will be required to wear a mask, the Matthews-based company said on its website. If a customer is unable to wear a mask or covering, the company said online shopping and grocery delivery are available.
And Publix announced it will require customers to wear face coverings effective Tuesday.
In early May, Lowe’s began requiring all associates to wear a face mask or approved face covering while working in a store or in a customer’s home. Masks and gloves were made available to workers, company officials said at the time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, along with following social distancing measure, to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
Like many other retailers, Lowe’s officials said they took steps early on in the pandemic to encourage social distancing in their stores. The company also has offered in-store and curbside pickup options while expanding the number of products available online, officials have said.
This story was originally published July 18, 2020 at 9:21 AM with the headline "Lowe’s is the latest retailer requiring customers to wear masks during coronavirus."