Morton Williams customers are sharply divided over the grocery chain’s decision to no longer require vaccinated shoppers and employees to wear masks — a scenario that’s likely playing out at retail establishments across the country.
The controversy kicked off on Monday when the popular supermarket emailed customers about its decision to comply with the new CDC coronavirus guidelines starting Wednesday, when New York state will drop its mask mandate.
The short email simply explained the new policy and said the Big Apple grocer “will not ask for proof of vaccination.”
But it resulted in a “hornets nest” of backlash from mask advocates, according to a follow-up email the chain sent out a few hours later.
“We recently sent you an email explaining our policy regarding masks,” the follow-up email said. “In doing so, we knew that we were stepping into a hornet’s nest and that many would feel this is a premature decision better suited for a later day.”
The follow-up email explained that Morton Williams stores will put up signs “encouraging” customers and employees to continue to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. It also reminded customers to please “to be respectful to those