No Mask, No Service

For years businesses have displayed signs that state “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” Since 2007 it has been illegal to smoke in most buildings that are open to the public. Although not everyone likes these rules, we have learned to accept them. Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must learn to comply with the latest restriction: “No Mask, No Service.” Effective July 13, Governor John Bel Edwards has made it mandatory for almost everyone ages 8 or older to wear a mask in public. A few exceptions to the mask mandate are allowed, for example when eating or drinking, or when able to maintain a six-foot distance between people.

While inconvenient and uncomfortable, wearing a mask is a simple, inexpensive way to reduce the spread of the airborne droplets produced when a person infected with coronavirus coughs, sneezes, or talks. With a two-week incubation period, many times people who have been exposed to COVID-19 are contagious but not yet exhibiting any symptoms. Proclamation Number 89 JBE 2020 states:

“All customers as well as business owners and employees, non-essential and essential, are to wear face coverings inside a commercial establishment or any other building or space open to the public, whether indoor or outdoor, as well as when utilizing public or commercial modes of transportation. This includes when individuals are engaged in exercise indoors or when a physical activity outdoors involves being within six feet of others.”

Here’s what this means to businesses:

• It is a business’s responsibility to ensure all employees AND customers are wearing masks when on the premises. Post a sign at the door. Provide masks for anyone who does not have one.
• Businesses are recommended to, first, ask any customer not wearing a mask to put one on.
• If a customer refuses to wear a mask, the business is recommended to request that the individual leave the building. If the individual refuses to leave, a trespass violation may be enforced.
• Businesses that fail to enforce the mask mandate are subject to citation and/or applicable licensure revocation.

If we want to restart our economy and return to some semblance of normalcy, we all need to take this simple preventive measure.

An HR professional can help you with all of your human resources needs. From hiring the right employees, running background checks, creating employee handbooks that include anti-harassment policies and procedures, and so much more, Next Level Solutions can work with you to provide the services that you need to run your business.