PORTLAND, Ore. — If you go to a New Seasons Market you will notice plenty of customers wearing face coverings.
"Just wanted to make sure I didn't get sick or pass on anything if I was unknowingly carrying it," said customer Marc Cozza.
Cozza is wearing a mask voluntarily, but soon it will be mandatory at News Seasons Market. They will require all vendors and customers, two years and older, to wear masks. The policy goes into effect April 29.
"I think it's a safe idea," said customer Ava Kelley.
"I think they care about people and they're showing it," added customer David Amick. "It's a good idea."
Safety inside grocery stores has been top of mind for weeks, but perhaps it has never been more important than it is right now.
This week, Whole Foods Market announced that one of its employees at the Pearl store died of COVID-19 and an employee at the Hollywood store tested positive.
An employee at the Fred Meyer on NE Glisan came down with the virus, along with three workers at two Winco stores in Oregon.
"You'll see those cases popping up more and more and more," said Dan Clay.
Clay is the president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555. He is well aware of the COVID-19 precautions inside grocery stores.
Safeway has stepped up its disinfection protocols. Albertsons is encouraging social distancing with one-way aisles. You will also find plexiglass shields at check stands. Fred Meyer also has plexiglass shields. Additionally, they are urging employees to wear masks and limiting the number of customers in the store at one time.
"Everybody is taking some steps," said Clay. "Some stores are out front of others."
Take New Seasons Market for instance. All vendors and customers will be required to wear masks starting April 29.
"I think it's good," said Cozza.
A spokesperson for New Seasons Market says masks will be available for customers who are not aware of the policy or forgot face coverings at home. These free masks will be available while supplies last.