The Fresh Market says that beginning April 14, customers will be required to wear face masks.
The protocol follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that recommend people cover their faces while out in public. The Fresh Market employees already are required to wear masks.
“The health and safety of our team members and guests, as well as the cleanliness of our stores, remain our top priorities at The Fresh Market,” the company said in a statement April 13.
“We are actively working with our safety experts, vendors and suppliers to ensure we are taking all precautionary measures and adhering to recommendations from federal and state health officials to prevent the spread of germs,” it said.
The grocer previously introduced hours for high-risk customers from 8-9 a.m. weekdays and enhanced safety and sanitization protocols.
It installed Plexiglas shields at checkouts along with contactless credit payments.
The chain also is limiting the number of guests allowed in the stores at one time.
The Fresh Market has five locations in Northeast Florida.