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Many fights have broken out in the past over masks. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Walmart and Home Depot have both seen several squabbles.
Just about every day a new story appears about how a customer got into an altercation over not wanting to wear a face mask. For example, a few days ago a customer punched a Starbucks barista in California after the barista asked them to wear a mask. In New York, a similar event happened when a man assaulted a store manager and bartender.
Some altercations have even turned deadly. A security guard was shot dead in May during a confrontation at a Family Dollar store in Michigan.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton issued a statement about what happened:
“From all indications, Mr. Munerlyn was simply doing his job in upholding the Governor’s Executive Order related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the safety of store employees and customers.”
As a result of the ongoing violence, many big box stores are deciding that the fight isn’t worth it. Instead of focusing on things like providing the best cell phone deals, they’re having to reconsider with their employees’ well-being.
Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walgreens, CVS and other nationwide retailers say they’ll continue to serve customers despite mask mandate violations. They wish to keep their employees safe from harm. Confrontations over masks aren’t worth people losing their lives.
Related: Michigan Security Guard Killed After Telling Customer to Wear a Face Mask
“Walmart, the largest retailer in the country, said it would station employees it calls health ambassadors at the entrance of stores to remind shoppers about mask compliance as they enter,” reported CNN.
If a customer doesn’t want to wear a mask, health ambassadors are told to allow the customer into the store and notify management. This is so “they can determine the next steps.”
A member of management is then instructed to ask if the customer would like a complimentary mask. If the customer declines, “let them continue to shop,” say the talking points.
A company video urges ambassadors never to engage with a customer physically. They also shouldn’t block them in any way. “With every requirement there are exceptions that have been established to avoid escalating the situation and putting our associates in harm’s way,” a Walmart representative said.
“Our goal is to keep associates from a physical confrontation in the stores.”
Related: Man Planned to Protest COVID-19 Restrictions With Pipe Bombs and More News
