Kwik Trip’s lack of masks
April 24th, 2020
Family Fare, Kwik Trip, Dollar Tree in Red Wing, get comfortable masks for your employees and they need to wear them. I called Family Fare about this and was told “we provide masks and it’s their choice whether they want to wear them or not.” I left it at that as I had work to get done, piling up… but then we had to make a couple essential stops shopping again.
We’ve been to Kwik Trip twice over the last 6 weeks, both times when Alan went in, I waited in the car, and watched people going in. I was struck by the fact that none had masks on, NONE, and multiple people were going in from cars, not just one. Alan reported that NONE of the cashiers were wearing masks. So I contacted Kwik Trip HQ and reported what we’d observed and that they weren’t adequately protecting their workers or the public:
Here’s the response I got (foreshadowing, note the reference to CDC):
Carol,
Thank you for reaching out.
We most certainly share your concern for our customers & co-workers = they are WONDERFUL and are on the front lines daily.
A KT special task force meets at least once a day to implement changes and of course to comply with mandated CDC and state health department procedures.
On April 3, 2020, the CDC updated their recommendations with regard to masks. Masks are only recommended for those who have contracted covid-19 or for individuals caring for them.
As a result, our co-workers have been given the option of wearing masks and we are providing two washable masks for each person.
We are constantly re-evaluating our safety practices based on the most current information.
The CDC has consistently stated that face coverings and gloves are not a substitute for frequent hand washing, which we know are amongst the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
We have always stressed proper handwashing.
We will call and remind the store to follow our COVID-19 guidelines.
I hope this is somewhat helpful – Kwik Trip is committed to safely providing essential services.
It is a privilege for us to continue to serve the community during this crisis.
Thank you,
Christina- Customer Service Representative – Kwik Trip Communication Center 608.793.6267
LINK: CDC – Use Cloth Face Covering to Prevent Spread
Now, again, about that CDC statement by Kwik Trip’s PR person:
On April 3, 2020, the CDC updated their recommendations with regard to masks. Masks are only recommended for those who have contracted covid-19 or for individuals caring for them.
As a result, our co-workers have been given the option of wearing masks and we are providing two washable masks for each person.
Kwik Trip, change your policy, top down, and protect your workers and the public. Make sure that your PAID sick leave policy is beefed up to allow sick workers to stay home, and make sure your workers have health coverage sufficient to allow them to get medical care without fear of going into medical debt.
And Kwik Trip, please, stop misrepresenting the CDC’s recommendations.