Meijer, Publix to Require Face Coverings Beginning Next Week

Meijer and Publix are requiring that shoppers wear face coverings while in their stores beginning next week. The new policy goes into effect at all Meijer stores on Monday, July 20; Publix will begin enforcing their policy on Tuesday, July 21.

Meijer currently operates 253 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. This new requirement is in addition to the retailer’s locations where executive orders are already in place requiring people to wear face coverings at retail locations, according to a statement.

Publix currently operates 1,252 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. “With the number of coronavirus cases continuing to grow and current CDC guidance indicating face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe requiring face coverings in our stores is another way we can do our part to help protect our communities,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous.

Both companies maintain that customers who have medical conditions that prevent frame from wearing face coverings are exempt. Publix said young children also fall into this category.

Shoppers who would like to avoid entering the stores are encouraged to use home delivery or curbside pick-up options.