After stories in the national media spotlighted its mask-optional policy, Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers said it will require all customers to wear masks at Winn-Dixie and other supermarkets it operates.
“The majority of our stores are under either a local or state government mandate, and given the continued rise of positive COVID cases in our communities across the Southeast, beginning Monday, July 27, we will be requiring masks to be worn by customers to help reduce the spread of the disease,” Southeastern spokesman Joe Caldwell said in an e-mailed statement July 20.
Southeastern operates 545 stores in seven states under the Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Harveys Supermarkets and Fresco y Mas brands.
Southeastern announced the policy after several major retailers announced mask requirements, including competitor Publix Super Markets Inc., which will require masks in all stores beginning July 21.
Southeastern’s mask-optional policy was spotlighted in news stories by USA Today and The Washington Post in recent days.
“As we have navigated through the complexities and challenges of the pandemic, we have progressively shaped our operations and are continuing to update our policies to best protect all those who depend upon us,” Caldwell said.
“This unprecedented period requires a willingness to be adaptable and flexible to ever-changing circumstances, and we will continue to adjust as needed over time.”
The company also said it is seeking support from government authorities to enforce mask requirements.
“We believe that the enforcement should be placed upon our state and federally elected officials, and we will continue to work with our peers in the retail industry to advocate for this sensible mandate to be passed into law to remove the burden from employers and their heroic frontline associates,” Caldwell said.