Whole Foods, Longo’s now require masks for shoppers

If you plan on spending your weekly essentials shopping trip at Longo’s or Whole Foods, be sure to bring a mask.

The grocery retailers, which have locations in the region, are now requiring all customers to wear masks while shopping.

In an update posted to their website, Longo’s announced it would be requiring face covers as of May 4. Those shoppers that have forgotten one are encouraged to speak to a staff member at the store entrance.

In an update on their website, Whole Foods announced it would be taking the same measure. The chain said they will also provide face masks to those customers without one.

Taking it a step further, Longo’s also announced that at “select stores,” guests are also now required to complete a “wellness screening” as part of a pilot project. The screening includes a “contactless” temperature check prior to shopping in the store.

Whole Foods has a location in Oakville. Longo’s has locations in Ancaster, Burlington, and Oakville.

Here’s a look at what different grocery stores are requiring from shoppers and what changes have been made to stores:

Costco

Effective May 4, Costco said that it would be requiring all customers in the United States to wear a mask or face covering while shopping in its stores. As of May 6, Costco had not yet announced similar measures in Canada. The Spectator has reached out to Costco and is awaiting additional comment.

The company did however announce that, effective May 4, there would be a special operating hour from 8 to 9 a.m. from Monday to Friday for members who are 60 or older and those who have a physical disability.

Metro

As of Wednesday, Metro has “no plans” to require customers to wear face masks while shopping, according to spokesperson Stephanie Bonk. The company, which includes Food Basics, has installed acrylic plastic at checkout lanes and has put greeters at the entrance to limit the number of customers to allow for physical distancing inside their stores.

No Frills

As of Wednesday, No Frills was not requiring masks for its shoppers. Customer limits have been implemented to allow for proper social distancing. The Spectator is awaiting additional comment from the company.

Superstore

As of Wednesday, Superstore was not requiring masks for its shoppers. Customer limits have been implemented to allow for proper social distancing. The Spectator is awaiting additional comment from the company.

Walmart

As of Wednesday, Walmart Canada was not requiring masks for its shoppers. Customer limits have been implemented to allow for proper social distancing. The Spectator is awaiting additional comment from the company.

Sobeys

Sobeys was not requiring masks for its shoppers, as of Wednesday. Customer limits have been implemented to allow for proper social distancing within stores. The Spectator is awaiting additional comment from the company.