HOUSTON, Texas As small-business owners and managers across Texas went to work Wednesday morning, they faced yet another 2021 headache: deal with losing business from customers who don t want to wear face masks during the pandemic or from patrons who will only frequent places that require them.
Some businesses barely had an opportunity to reopen after last month s deadly winter storm and power outage crisis before hearing about this massive change to the state s COVID-19 safety protocols. I do feel that we ll probably lose guests based on whatever decision we do make, but I guess that s just part of the environment that we are in now, said Jessica Johnson, general manager of Sichuan House in San Antonio. It s either you wear masks and piss a couple people off, or you don t wear masks and you piss a couple people off.
H-E-B:
While statewide policy has changed, our store protocol has not. Mask use at our stores will remain. Our signs requiring mask use will remain posted at entrances and we will continue to make announcements in store. We will continue to expect shoppers to wear masks while in our stores. Additionally, we will still require all our Partners and vendors to wear masks while at work. H-E-B has always been a strong proponent and advocate of mask use even before mandates and orders were passed.
Kroger:
Although the statewide mask mandate has been lifted in Texas, to ensure the safety of our customers and associates, Kroger will continue to follow health and safety guidelines recommended by the CDC by requiring all associates in our stores to wear a mask. We encourage all customers visiting our stores to continue to wear a mask to protect themselves, those around them, and our associates. We remind those who can t wear masks that we offer low touch or no touch pickup and delivery se