Launch of the “We Can’t Do This Alone” Campaign
Information released by the Northwest Grocery Association
The Northwest Grocery Association (the trade association representing many of the most familiar brands including Fred Meyer, Safeway and Albertsons) released a series of social media ads urging the public to join in their “We Can’t Do This Alone” campaign.
“With Governor Inslee’s order taking the public mask mandate statewide we must all come together and wear our masks when out in public, especially at your neighborhood grocery store,” said Amanda Dalton, Legislative Director for the Northwest Grocery Association.
Dalton continued, “we are headed into one of the busiest weekends of the year for grocery stores. Especially with everyone staying close to home and enjoying family around the grill, the public must join us in self-enforcement of this new statewide mandate – by wearing a mask in your grocery store!”
“While what we know about this virus continues to change, today we know for certain that social distancing and face masks (or coverings) are our most powerful tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but your grocery stores and retailers can’t do it alone,” said Amanda Dalton, Legislative Director for the Northwest Grocery Association.
Dalton continued, “Since the beginning of the COVID crisis, grocery stores and their store teams have put in extraordinary effort to meet the needs of the local community. This has required extensive safety measures in all stores to safeguard the employees, customers and supply chains, ensuring stores are open, clean and stocked for customers. In every decision they have made, they have strived to balance the most urgent mission – to continue to meet the immediate and most essential needs of the public – while ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. The store employees understand that when they wear masks for an entire day’s work, they are protecting themselves, their co-workers and their community, and they are hopeful to get the same consideration.”
Grocery stores continue to comply with all state and agency guidelines and have adapted quickly as those guidelines are revised and updated. “It is important for the public to know that when they see a fellow customer in the grocery store without a mask, the retailer is required to assume the individual has a medical condition or disability preventing them from wearing a mask,” said Dalton.
In addition, retailers must consider the safety of their employees. Across the country we have seen stories of violence and aggression against grocery store employees for attempting to enforce mask mandates. These escalating incidents have presented new workplace safety issues as grocery workers interact daily with a weary and at times frustrated public. Many grocers have done additional training and education with employees preparing them for difficult situations and de-escalating these situations while ensuring everyone’s safety. Store are balancing the various responsibilities of protecting the health safety of everyone in the stores, and now trying to prevent volatile confrontations that could cause physical safety concerns for employees and customers in the store. Dalton continued, “We can’t do this alone. We urge all in our communities to join us in this call to protect our neighbors and employees. Please wear your mask!”
