Minnesota Grocers Association: Wear A Mask When You Shop

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Grocers Association is asking customers across the state to come to the stores wearing a mask. The group says the practice is for the protection of both "workers and customers."

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, wearing a mask does not protect you from others who may spread the new coronavirus. Regardless if you are wearing a mask or not, Minnesota health officials say you still need to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between you and others.

However, masks or cloth face coverings can help with preventing your germs from infecting others, "especially in situations where you may spread the virus without symptoms," the MDH states.

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Health officials at the federal level currently recommend wearing cloth face coverings to protect others from COVID-19 at places where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as the grocery store or pharmacy.

Protocol for wearing a mask

Minnesota's health department is asking residents to refrain from buying or wearing surgical or N95 masks because these masks are in high demand and are needed to protect health care workers.

Health officials also say face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

More tips for grocery shopping

Shoppers at Minnesota's grocery stores are being asked to follow these guidelines during the spread of the new coronavirus.