LAKELAND, Fla., July 16, 2020—Publix grocery stores will require customers to wear face coverings while shopping effective July 21.

Signs announcing the new requirement will be posted at store entrances and in-store announcements will be made.

“We believe requiring face coverings in our stores is another way we can do our part to help protect our communities,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous.

According to the release, this requirement will not apply to young children and those with medical conditions who are not able to wear face coverings.

Those not able to wear face coverings are encouraged to use Publix Delivery and/or curbside pickup, according to the release.

The release outlined several changes Publix previously implemented in their stores to safeguard the health and well-being of customers, associates and communities, including:

• Frequent and regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as carts, door handles, PIN pads, ATMs and vending machines, using a disinfection cleaner before every store opens and throughout the day
• Reduced store hours to allow extra time for store cleaning and preventive sanitation
• Implemented contactless pay in all stores, allowing customers to pay by placing their smartphones or contactless pay-enabled credit or debit cards near a payment device rather than touching the PIN pad
• Installed plexiglass shields at all registers and pharmacies to better protect both associates and customers
• Implemented one-way shopping on each aisle to help with customer traffic flow
• Initiated intercom announcements to remind customers to follow one-way shopping and maintain the recommended 6-foot distance between themselves, Publix associates and other shoppers
• Provided store managers discretion to limit the number of customers inside stores
• Provided store associates with masks and the option to wear non-latex plastic gloves

Publix news release