H-E-B to continue mask requirement for customers

H-E-B grocers will continue to require customers to mask up when shopping in its 340 stores after the statewide requirement for face coverings is lifted on Wednesday, March 10. Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order March 2 ending the mask mandate, which began with an order in June 2020 to help protect against the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Store employees and vendors also will be required to wear masks when on H-E-B property.
“While statewide policy has changed, our store protocol has not,”   the Texas-based grocery store chain announced in a statement. "We will continue to expect shoppers to wear masks while in our stores.”
The statement acknowledges the pressure the governor's latest ordinance has put on retailers, calling the issue “an emotional topic for many.” 
“We ask for kindness and understanding from our customers in our expectation of them to wear masks in our stores,” the statement reads. “Also, we understand some customers cannot wear a mask due to medical exceptions. We request all customers adhere to the COVID-19 protocols we have in place while shopping.”
As well as wearing masks, those protocols include proper hand washing, plexiglass partitions, access to hand sanitizer, and social distancing.
Signs will remain posted and announcements in the store outlining safety protocol for protecting against the virus will continue, H-E-B officials announced. 
“To help keep Texans healthy, we’ve had several safety protocols in place since the early days of the pandemic, and until all Texans including our Partners have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, we will continue these efforts,” the statement continued. “Throughout the pandemic, we are thankful that we’ve seen strong compliance with mask wearing at our stores. But we need the help of all Texans to ensure compliance continues.”
Customers coming to the store without masks will be given one at the entrance. 
Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales lifted the mask order for the county immediately after the governor’s announcement. 
Walmart also issued a nationwide policy that it will continue to require masks be worn in the stores, whether by employees or customers. However, the chain will not require employees to enforce the order.