CDC Advises Not To Engage with Anti-maskers to Limit Workplace VIolence

CDC Guidelines for Workers

As the countries around the world eased their lockdown restrictions and economy starts to reopen, some retail and service businesses must follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent workplace exposure to  COVID-19.

Implementation of face-mask wearing, social distancing, and limiting the allowed number of customers inside the store at one time are just some of the guidelines issued by the CDC.

However, due to anti-maskers and those who object to COVID-19 prevention policies such as limits in the purchase of some food or household items, CDC has recommended retail and service employees not to engage with them in heated conversations to limit workplace violence.

The implementation of these policies may expose the employees to threats and assaults such as yelling, swearing, slapping, and even choking the employees. If a shopper refused to follow the guidelines, don't force them to. 

The CDC has outlined conflict-resolution and threat recognition training by learning verbal and non-verbal clues. Speaking loudly, swearing, clenching fists, breathing heavily, a fixed stare, and pacing are just some of the warning signs of possible violence. 

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CDC recommended the installation of panic buttons or alarms, a safe area (a room that locks from the inside has another exit route, and an available phone or silent alarm inside) in the workplace where employees can go to if they find themselves in a threatening situation, and assigning two workers to team up in areas where COVID-19 prevention policies are being enforced.

According to CNN, Walmart Inc., Home Depot, and CVS have announced that they will continue to serve customers who refuse to wear masks. Employees were told to stay calm, offer a complimentary mask, if they still refuse, show understanding, and leave customers alone, and let them continue shopping.

Below are some ways to de-escalate conflicts over mask-wearing:

• Be well-educated on local mask policies.
• Actively listen to the anti-mask individual's point of view, and not contradicting back right away.
• Seek help from a manager or, if necessary, law enforcement officials.

Effectivity of face masks

Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, said that if everyone in America practiced wearing masks and hand washing while continuing to observe proper social distancing, the spread of the virus could be controlled in one to two months.

Redfield also mentioned that cloth face coverings are one of the most effective ways to slow and stop the spread of the virus, especially if being used universally within a community setting.

A study published in June found that without using a mask or observation of social distancing, the risk of coronavirus transmission is at 17.4 percent, this number drops to 3.1 percent when a mask or respirator is added.

There is no federal law existing that enforces the wearing of masks. However, more than 30 states mandate that people must wear masks or face coverings in public. This has put retailers in a tough spot, especially those who work in retail industries where essential goods are being sold. Safety concerns continue to grow over how to protect employees from angry customers or workers who don't want to follow mask-wearing rules. 

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