Coronavirus: Thoughtless shoppers putting grocery store workers at risk as union calls for designation as ‘emergency personnel’

Grocery store workers say shoppers crowd around them, don't wear masks, and touch products unnecessarily

Whether it’s ignorance, carelessness, or stupidity, some grocery store customers do not seem to be listening to official guidance on how to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

Among a number of violations, grocery store workers report being crowded around by shoppers as they stack shelves; customers not wearing face masks; and masks and gloves being discarded in carts and on floors. A particular gripe is shoppers unnecessarily picking up products and putting them back.

The Huffington Post reports that the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), which represents 900,000 grocery store workers, estimates that at least 30 of its members have died from Covid-19. The Washington Post puts the number at 41 nationwide, with thousands more infected.

America’s largest supermarket chain, Kroger, has joined forces with UFCW to call on federal and state governments to take swift action to designate grocery store workers as “extended first responders” or “emergency personnel.”

In a statement they said: “As all Americans are now witnessing – grocery workers play a critical role in our communities and they must be protected.”

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The two organisations hope that designation as first responders will ensure their frontline workers have priority access to personal protection equipment like masks and gloves. They stress that the move is not just about protecting grocery store workers, but also the customers they serve and the nation’s food supply.

A UFCW survey of 5,000 grocery store workers found that 29 per cent said customers treat them somewhat or very poorly; 85 per cent of customers are not effectively social distancing; 81 per cent are hoarding supplies; and 62 per cent blame employees for shortages.

In response, UFCW has launched a “Shop Smart” campaign to encourage shoppers to use common sense when they buy groceries.

First, shoppers are reminded to always wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth, even if homemade or improvised from a scarf or bandanna. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends this whenever an individual is out in public, and many local or state authorities demand it.

Second, always maintain social distancing ruled by staying six feet away from other people, whether standing in line, asking a worker for assistance, or taking a product from a shelf. This may involve taking your time.

Thirdly, wear a mask and gloves, and bring your own sanitising wipes, but do not leave them behind for others to clear up. Properly dispose of them yourself, and do not leave them in shopping carts or on the ground.

Additional advice includes shopping alone or in pairs to minimise numbers; use store provided bags rather than reusable ones; and pay with a card or your phone rather than cash — and wipe it down afterwards.

Stores also ask that customers are patient. Staff are trying to keep shelves stocked, often with a smaller workforce, and will unlikely know when new stock will be available.

Additionally, use common sense. Do not touch anything unnecessarily, especially produce and packaging. Think through your trip and write a list, which will minimise time in the store and the number of trips you need to make.

Customers are also reminded to wash their hands and face when they return home, take off their shoes and to clean and disinfect what groceries they can.