A mask-less Trader Joe's customer in Texas had a meltdown after being denied entry - and it reveals how states' new rules endanger workers
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A mask-less Trader Joe's customer in Texas had a meltdown after being denied entry - and it reveals how states' new rules endanger workers
Grace Kay Mon, March 8, 2021, 11:02 AM
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A Trader Joe's shopper in Texas forced his way into the store without a mask.
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Texas lifted its mask mandate, but stores can impose their own policies.
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Workers have already seen a backlash as some customers refuse to accept store policies on masks.
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A Trader Joe's customer accused the grocer of violating Texas state law, after employees denied the man entry without a mask.
The situation highlights how the state's new rules have put many frontline workers in a vulnerable position, as they are forced to impose corporate rules without the support of the government.
Last week, Texas became the largest state to lift its mask mandate. On Tuesday,Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the mandate would no longer be in place as of March 10. Abbott said he plans to open the state 100%. His decision comes just days after theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention warned against reopening states too soon.
In Texas, there have been more than 2.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, with more than 45,000 deaths,datafrom John Hopkins University showed.
Ina videoof the Trader Joe's incident posted on Instagram, the mask-less shopper pushed past greeters at the door who offered to give him a disposable mask and refused to let him enter without a face covering.
The man said he was disappointed in the grocer's decision to maintain a mask requirement in the store and said he should be allowed entry without a mask due to an undisclosed disability. The store's employees - located near McKinney, Texas - told the man they would allow him in without a mask if he put masks on his two children, but then he pushed past the workers.
"I don't get this anywhere I go in Texas," the man said in the video. "You're violating the law. You're harassing me and discriminating against me because of my disability … I have a civil right to shop in places that are open to the public."
Workers then confronted the man as he made his way through the store with his kids, speaking out against Trader Joe's.
The Instagram post, which dubbed the man a "male Karen," received primarily negative comments.
"Businesses have a right to enforce a mask policy, even without the government," user @stefanootchka wrote. "Haven't these people ever heard of nightclubs that require you to wear belts, ties and blazers? Have they ever heard of no shirt, no shoes, no service?"
Customers have revolted against mask mandates in stores and restaurants across the state
After Texas and other states loosened restrictions, customers have become increasingly resistant to wearing masks, signaling that mask enforcement may get more difficult for retail employees.
Workers in Texas at the Mexican restaurant, Picos, saiddiners threatened to report them to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencyfor requiring people at the diner to wear masks.
"It was just horrific," co-owner Monica Richards told The Washington Post. "People don't understand unless you're in our business what it felt like, how hard it was to go through everything we went through during COVID. For people to be negative toward us for trying to remain safe, so that this doesn't continue to happen, just makes zero sense to us."
The situation hearkens back to the beginning of the pandemic whenpeople protested and boycotted stores for requiring masksandsocial distancing.
In some places,a lack of official mask policies put employees in a difficult position, or employees were not allowed toask customers to wear a mask.
Mask-wearing has also become political. Some encounters with customerseven turned violent, with workersshot or assaulted for asking customers to wear masks.
Some storeshired private security companies to help with mask enforcement, while others have told employees thatthey cannot enforce the mask restrictions for their own safety.
Trader Joe's has faced backlash throughout the pandemic when it comes to enforcing the mask mandate
In July, Trader Joe's employees wereattackedin Manhattan by two customers who refused to wear masks.
Just two months ago, a CaliforniaTrader Joe's was forced to close earlydue to anti-masks protests.
In February,customers threatened to boycott Trader Joe's after an employee was fired for asking the CEO to implement more COVID-19 protections for workers' safety.
The employee, Ben Bonnema, was rehired within the month, after his letter to the CEO went viral onTwitter.
"We put our lives on the line everyday by showing up to work," Bonnema wrote. "Please, show up for us by adopting these policies."
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A Trader Joe's shopper in Texas forced his way into the store without a mask.
Texas lifted its mask mandate, but stores can impose their own policies.
Workers have already seen a backlash as some customers refuse to accept store policies on masks.
What is wrong with some people? Just wear a mask! Why is that so difficult for some?
You notice one consistency among these anti-maskers? They are so ignorant of the laws they like to espouse, that they constantly claim that these stores are "public property". They just can't get it through those twisted brains that all these stores are "private property" that allows the general public access to, as long as they follow their rules.
Then, when confronted about the lack of a mask, they shout out to all within range, showing off their absolute ignorance.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect in action.
Ignorant is too kind. They're just downright stupid. First for not using simple common sense like wearing a mask in the middle of a pandemic. Then for making a public spectacle of themselves when simply asked to wear one. And these are supposed to be rational adults? Nothing intelligent or rational about them.
We have a member here that thinks it's "fun to trigger liberals" by not wearing a mask. What a sad life that must be.
There is certainly no shortage of simpletons (or delusional) in this country, from anti science nut jobs to anti maskers to anti vaccers to pro-Trump supporters.
They are just announcing that they are an asshole. That’s it really.
I think we have more than one or two
to most of the regressives, that's the most important reason for being here.
The difference between ignorance and stupidity: With ignorance, people do not know something is wrong but can be taught otherwise. With stupidity, people know something is wrong and they do it anyway. That bozo at that Trader Joes in Texas was just downright stupid and drug his children along for his stupidity display!
I doubt they even know that much. They only think they're right. The difference is, ignorant people can be taught. Stupid people refuse to learn. And there are certainly a lot of stupid people in the country these days.
no shoes, no shirt, no mask, no service. temporarily make assaulting anti-maskers a minor $5 ticket offense for non-compliance where posted. ezpz, none of those patriots has the nuts for that.
This reminds me, I need a wine run to the Trader Joe's, lol.
Don't wear a mask, then don't expect a merchant to ring up your purchases.
Customers Have Revolted Against Mask Mandates In Stores And Restaurants Across The State
After Texas and other states loosened restrictions, customers have become increasingly resistant to wearing masks, signaling that mask enforcement may get more difficult for retail employees.
Workers in Texas at the Mexican restaurant, Picos, said diners threatened to report them to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency for requiring people at the diner to wear masks.
"It was just horrific," co-owner Monica Richards told The Washington Post. "People don't understand unless you're in our business what it felt like, how hard it was to go through everything we went through during COVID. For people to be negative toward us for trying to remain safe, so that this doesn't continue to happen, just makes zero sense to us."
The situation hearkens back to the beginning of the pandemic when people protested and boycotted stores for requiring masks and social distancing .
In some places, a lack of official mask policies put employees in a difficult position , or employees were not allowed to ask customers to wear a mask .
Mask-wearing has also become political. Some encounters with customers even turned violent , with workers shot or assaulted for asking customers to wear masks .
Some stores hired private security companies to help with mask enforcement , while others have told employees that they cannot enforce the mask restrictions for their own safety .
I don't understand why every state DOESN'T HAVE A MASK MANDATE?
Because some governors think the are smarter than the healthcare professionals, that their states pay, to advise on these issues?
I think it is because some think money is more important than lives.
I am betting that the red states are overturning the mask mandates. Trump once threatened to cut all funding to sanctuary states, so it is time to remove and CV funding to the states who are removing all precautions.
I plan to wear a mask in Trader Joes long after the state requires it.
Expect to see more of these "Kennys". I prefer to call male Karens "kenny"
So ... got my first 'jab' (Pfizer) yesterday and the second will happen in June ... looking forward to possibly going maskless in September. No rush.
3 months apart? I thought Pfizer recommended 3 weeks between shots.
Quebec has it's own way of doing things and since it's free ...
yeah, there was discussion in the CDC a while back about the potential of extending the time between shots in order to get a first shot into more people. As I remember, both the Pfizer & Maderna shots gave about a 70% resistance after the first shot. There was discussion but the CDC decided to continue with the original plan with the second shot in 3 weeks. I don't know how other states are handling it, I got my first shot on Saturday and while at the vaccination site they set up my second appointment for my second shot right there.
The main reason for them sticking with the original plan, I thought, was that waiting longer may have lessened the efficacy of the 2nd shot. Note that I said "may", since I don't believe Pfizer did any testing to determine the effect, however their earlier studies showed 3 weeks for best possible immunity.
Can't argue with that. Good luck with your 2nd shot. Both mine were Pfizer and other than a sore arm at the injection site, I have no other reaction to the shot. Hopefully you will also not have to deal with any bad reactions.
Yes, as I remember also there had not been any testing on how long after the first shot the second could be given and still have it reach the 95% immunity levels but there was discussion that perhaps it could be a few months later. But they just didn't know for sure. I believe the discussion was happening to try to speed up getting at least one shot in as many arms as possible and provide some help rather than having to wait for your group to open up. This was also well before the speed-up and improvements in production that have increased supply. Back when this discussion was happening, they were still projecting the end of the year at best for full vaccination and more likely into 2022 before they could get enough vaccine to get everybody. Now we are looking at the end of May..
I get my first dose on Friday. They're doing a mass clinic at work.
Get mine Thursday.
I hope now that there's more vaccine available that my 71 year old aunt in New Jersey can get one. She said she went on line to book an appt and August was the first available. Arkansas has been vaxxing folks 65 and over since the beginning of the month
As you all probably know, I got my first dose last Tuesday, after some difficulty. Anyway, the side effects I got were a sore arm where I got the injection, I felt kind of queasy, kind of headachey, just kind of not good, but almost like clockwork, the symptoms were gone within 24 hours.
They say the second one can be worse side effect wise but it's a good sign that your body is fighting it.
I got my first at a Von's pharmacy and the second on the 27th. My arm was sooo sore for 24 hrs.
I was told today that I'm getting the one shot Johnson and Johnson. Yay
I got the J&J last week and no problems, hope yours goes well
I was lucky to get the first one. I was on a waiting list and someone cancelled their appointment.
Thanks, Charger. Glad to hear you had no problems. I want to party with my daughter on Saturday and I don't want to feel like a dog turd
Wanna bet these are the same people that think a baker can refuse service to gay people.
Is selling a cake to a homosexual gonna give you a disease?Reminds me of the early days of AIDs.
There is a congressional moron that actually wondered why we didn't require masks for the aids pandemic.
Behold the downside to democracy, idiots like that actually get out in charge of things.
They were advising the use of genital masks.
You mean condoms or dental dams?
I don't know what a dental dam is.
A "condom" for lesbians.
And those same people would probably use religion as some kind of excuse or justification.
If cake bakers can refuse to bake a cake for a gay wedding then every store has the right to refuse service for any health or safety reason. No shirt, no shoes, no service. and there are places that require a dress code for employees or customers. There are elite restaurants that require a jacket or tie to enter.
Yeah, yeah,,,
Lets compare exchanging goods/services with someone we may disagree with, to those giving me or my family a disease.
Dumb.
The point is, these people believe in the freedom of a business to operate as it wants, to refuse service at will, until it comes to telling them wearing a mask.
Then all the sudden the business cannot tell them what to do.
I think it is a very apt comparison.
Pretty sure he is pointing out the rank hypocrisy in people like this who think refusing service because someone is gay is fine, but someone refusing to take safety precautions during a pandemic and being asked to leave in unacceptable.
The difference being, one may make a me uncomfortable, while one may kill me and mine.
As a society we have decided that being uncomfortable cannot be regulated, while giving someone a disease can be.
It’s exactly why smoking is no longer allowed in public areas. Your right to kill yourself does not include the right to take me with you.
A drunk on the road can take you with him.
Still an apt comparison.
Ender I actually agree with your argument. The problem Imho is that it stops short. the argument can easily be backed into a corner because of one important discrepancy...that in this case, there is no backup from the local government to ensure that the business itself can push these mask rules, not merely because it is their right to do as they chose, but even more importantly mostly because it is a health concern.
It’s lots like our CoC not being backed also by a TOS.
A business can enforce its rules (CoC), while a governmental oversight (ToS) provides deeper protection for the entire structure of the community.
Because Texas has decided not to ensure this backup, business are left bereft of an important authority.
The end result being that government has left health care choices up to the business community. It’s a paradox in these states, stopping short of providing adequate safety. That is why I think that making the argument that a business has the right to push safety protocol, falls short. I agree with it, but is vastly hampered by dumbass states that don’t back them. It needs to be an argument of medical necessity, and force these states, from the Fed, to place mask mandates.
Agree. Business is being left in the wind. Try to enforce a company mandate and have more and more of these problems or succumb to these idiots.
I am thinking the local police cannot do much about it either.
Places like Texas and Mississippi have basically given people a green light to endanger others.
Two ugly results I see right away:
We have already seen violence against workers because of this discrepancy.
We see business that must decide to either be competitive or safe; a decision they would not have to make if all were mask enforced by the state.
Which is why I don't understand that this is STILL NOT MANDATED IN EVERY STATE REGARDLESS.
Isn't there a way it can be made a FEDERAL POLICY by the President?
That’s the direction we have to go.
Guess what, private businesses can still require you to wear a mask even if a government mandate has been lifted. Kinda like how there is no mandate or law that says you have to wear close toed shoes in a gym, but my gym’s rules clearly state you will be asked to leave if you don’t.
If you don’t wanna wear a mask then shop somewhere else. How fucking hard is this?
Covid long haulers:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/04/unlocking-the-mysteries-of-long-covid/618076/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atlantic-daily-newsletter&utm_content=20210308&silverid-ref=NTA2MTE4ODQ4NTI0S0
I like wearing a mask, I have upper dentures, I don't have to put them in when I go shopping
I like them because they cover my double chin!
Actors and actresses love the mask mandates because they can go out in public without being recognized. They can do fun stuff they normally can't do.
that's funny
I like masks because I can stick my tongue out at people and they don't know it. Still working on the Evil Eye without letting on
Sun Glasses Trout, but they do look out of place at night......
But it's only March 9. Just sayin. That would be the first thing I'd point out... that it's not yet March 10; then I would point out that store policy can be different.
"But it's only March 9. Just sayin. That would be the first thing I'd point out... that it's not yet March 10; then I would point out that store policy can be different."
It won't matter to the assholes like the one in this article. And all the other 'Karens' and 'Kennies' out there.
OH I know. I just noticed a glaring detail... at least it was glaring to me.
I guess people don't understand that private businesses can set up just about any rules they choose.
There hasn't been a case of the virus for at least 9 or 10 months where I am (save for one or two imported cases many months ago) and I still can't enter my bank branch without wearing a mask and having my temperature taken, where the staff all wear masks as well. I've watched people not wearing masks turned away, and there has never been a complaint. A very small price ot pay for the security of knowing that you are safe. And contrary to the belief of a few ignoramuses on NT, nobody had to be forced to follow strict guidelines. However everything is open and doing business - restaurants, theatres, schools. I don't wish for it, but I personally expect that Texas is going to experience a tsunami of new cases.
For some at least, MAGA is a 'spiteful' social disorder.
True bbl-1, some people did seem to get the idea that if a president that puts himself first and our government puts itself first before the rest of the world then they should put themselves first as well.
Thus we now have our "Karens" lol
At least an argument can be made that DJT has been an influential force on a segment of the population.
Question is how well it will endure and how ( IT ) will be received when DJT is forced to either lie under oath or take the 5th Amendment to protect himself.
The test will be how sustaining his 'grift' will be.
I stopped underestimating trump long ago. trump will do whatever it takes to get what trump wants. Mr. at any cost.
I'm sure trump has learned a lot from how easily he "brainwashed" so many of the masses and I doubt he forfeits that power easily either.
I do wonder just how enduring trump's influence will be on some of his followers thinking and behaviours.
The dragon trump has still not been slain and sadly, I don't doubt that we have seen the last of this swamp monster or many of his brainwashed followers.
"It'll just disappear" "It'll just disappear" "It'll just disappear"
"just disappear" " Just disappear "
"Believe Me !" "Believe Me !" "Believe Me !" "Believe Me !"
"Believe Me !" "Believe Me !" ............ ..... ... .. .
AWwwwww !
Slain?
On another news site when DJT slid down the escalator with wife number three I said that if ( he ) manages to win the end result will his loss of his wealth, fake prestige and possibly his freedom.
DJT should have stayed in NY continuing his grift, cheating business people and cheating on his wife and daughter until the end of his days.
As far as DJT's followers, same fate as those that supported the Khmer Rouge and other oppressive movements in history.
bbl-1,
I o hope you are right.
he couldn't do that, trump Had to go for the most power he could.
But you're probably right, he would have been better off staying where he was.But I don't look for him to want to go back to it now though.
More Power !!!
For Trump there isn't any 'going back'. He is outed and by the time the lawyers and courts are finished with him there won't be anything left to go back to. In other words, The Man From Mar-a-Lago will finally receive that which he has given others during his life. Which is a, "FU and see you in court."
I never underestimate a megalomaniac.
period
trumpturd is finished and done with - just refuses to admit it - those 'campaign donations' are going directly in his pockets.
bbl-1 is 1000% spot on regarding him.
There's nothing left for the trumpturd, nothing.
He's going to spend the rest of his life dodging summons and subpoena's.
"The Man From Mar-a-Lago will finally receive that which he has given others during his life. Which is a, "FU and see you in court."
KARMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You sum it up all so well!
But Tesslyo, I'm still not holding my breath.
I seriously do not think trump is done with us. He's had the taste of almost absolute power, I highly doubt he doesn't want more. .. @ any cost !
But we're done with him!
Unfortunately, tessylo so many are not done with this jackass.
Fortunately though many of us were done with trump before he even reached the bottom of his golden escalator.
That didn't stop this megalomaniac from becoming the president.
IMO: trump is and will be a danger till he is in the ground !
Trump is never 'done' with those who've figured out his crassness, ignorance and intellectual disdain. Unfortunately or fortunately, however one wishes to view it, his mind is small and his reach will fade like Sauron's when the Fire of Mt. Doom received back The Ring of Power. He will over.
True. Unfortunatyly trump inspired "Crap" thinking .. fake news ... That I don't see stopping anytime soon. The seed has been planted. trump cultivated it well. An insanity like the virus I don't think will "Just disappear".