Giant Eagle asks all customers to wear masks starting Friday

Giant Eagle officials said they “strongly” suggest all customers wear masks in their stores, regardless of vaccination status, starting Friday.

Workers will be required to wear masks or face shields starting Wednesday.

Both announcements were made Monday evening.

“Throughout the covid-19 pandemic, we have made keeping our team members safe and our neighbors healthy our number one priority,” spokesman Dan Donovan said via email. “As we witness increases in positive covid-19 cases across our communities and the country, we are re-instituting the wearing of face masks, cloth face coverings or face shields for team members and guests this week, inclusive of all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.”

The company said it is not requiring customers to wear masks.

“We are strongly requesting that our guests comply,” with the mask guidelines, the company’s statement reads.

Donovan said the company also is considering requiring vaccinations for all employees as well as increasing resources and education about the benefits and risks of the covid vaccinations.

“The introduction of the delta variant has created a renewed sense of urgency across our communities,” Donovan wrote. “Recent data suggests that the delta variant is more contagious, making vaccinated individuals more prone to transmitting the virus and leaving those unvaccinated at higher risk of illness and hospitalization. In response, Giant Eagle is taking additional actions for our team members, guests and communities.

“Through these and other efforts, we can all do our part to keep our communities healthy, our local businesses thriving and our students and teachers in the best possible position for the upcoming school year.”

In May, Giant Eagle officials announced vaccinated workers and customers could come in without masks.

More information about the company is available at gianteagle.com.