Giant Eagle reinstating masks for employees

'Strongly requesting' customers wear masks

Employees of Giant Eagle, Market District, and GetGo stores will be required to wear a face mask, cloth face covering or face shield starting Aug. 4, regardless of vaccination status.

The grocery store chain is “strongly requesting” customers do the same starting Aug. 6.

In a news release, Giant Eagle stated that requiring its employees to wear masks is an important step that “will allow us to best protect one another and our guests.”

“The introduction of the Delta variant has created a renewed sense of urgency across our communities,” the company stated in the news release.

“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.”

Starting on Aug. 6, Giant Eagle stated it will have employees ready at each of its stores to provide a complimentary mask to any customer who does not have one. Giant Eagle’s curbside pickup and delivery services also remain available.

Giant Eagle stated it is increasing the resources dedicated to educating its employees “about the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccination.”

The company also stated it is “actively reviewing paths forward regarding a potential vaccination requirement” for all employees.

“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,” Giant Eagle stated.