This is after I sent them the study that Max Igan provided regarding how masks are detrimental to the health of the individual. **They are STATISTS. **
Preliminary Report on Surgical Mask Induced Deoxygenation During Major Surgery:
http://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/neuro/v19n2/3.pdf
Thanks for reaching out. We love hearing from our customers! We appreciate your feedback about masks, but it does look like we will continue to wear masks at Natural Grocers in the interest of doing our part to slow the spread of the virus. We understand there is research on both sides of this, but we are proponents of masks and want to ensure customers feel safe when shopping in our stores, and don’t feel alarmed at the sight of Crew Members working without masks. Below is a letter from the Isely family about masks.
Again, we are grateful for you contacting us to discuss this important topic. I do apologize that our views ultimately differ on this subject.
Thank you,
Rachel
Dear Natural Grocers Customers,
Face masks are a very contentious issue right now. But then again, everything feels like a contentious issue right now. Many of us are worried, concerned and scared. We have been social distancing and isolating, but the pandemic has not gone away. We have been locked away from each other and many have lost their jobs. We are all concerned for our loved ones who may live across the country or even in the same city, but we cannot be with them for fear of making them sick or vice versa. These are the stresses that make us all crabby and angry and make us feel a bit intolerant of each other. And it seems like the recent face mask orders issued by local governing bodies have become a focal point of contention. Some cities and counties have mandated the wearing of masks by everyone while in grocery stores. Some have allowed exceptions if the wearing of a mask would inhibit a person’s health. Some have encouraged the wearing of face masks without requiring them.
What is the best thing to do? We are committed to the health and welfare of our customers and good4u Crew and to ensuring a shopping environment that is as safe as possible for everyone. You are our neighbors and family and we have to navigate these troubled times to provide the best direction and guidance we can while you shop at our stores.
We wanted to share with you our thinking about this issue. This is what we know:
Recent scientific research indicates that wearing a face mask and washing our hands frequently are probably the most effective and protective actions we can all take right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, FDA studies indicate that if 50% of the population uses a mask, transmission of the flu virus would be cut in half. Research also indicates that if 80% of the population uses a mask, the flu virus would essentially be eliminated. A University of Michigan study found masks and hand washing can cut the spread of flu-like symptoms up to 75%. This is the difference between a pandemic and something that fizzles away. The science is therefore clear: face masks are effective.
Some people cannot wear face masks, as wearing a mask will inhibit their health due to an underlying health condition. Additionally, it is not possible to tell simply by looking at a person that he or she has such a health condition. Since we cannot lawfully ask a customer if they have a health condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, this requires some understanding and tolerance from fellow customers and Crew. We therefore encourage and ask that everyone who can, to wear a face mask while shopping.
It is very likely that most people do not have a health condition that would make wearing a face mask problematic. So, if those of us who can wear a face mask, do so, then we should be able to reach the critical mass that is protective of us all.
Many people are experiencing fear and anxiety about their health, the loss of jobs, and not knowing how they are going to pay their bills, and this drives anger and frustration. Some people are very angry about the restrictive measures taken by the government in response to the pandemic. A small minority are so angry that they have actually harmed others, including essential workers in grocery stores.
After careful consideration of these factors, combined with the need to protect the health and welfare of our customers and Crew, Natural Grocers has made the following decisions relating to face masks:
We have decided that posting signs is how to best advise you of the specific government orders that pertain to the store at which you are shopping. We hope that this will reduce the potential for any conflict and ensure the safety of our good4u Crew.
We will post large signs in our stores informing our customers of the face mask order in effect for that city or county and providing directions based on the restrictiveness of the order. Our signs will also inform our customers of the scientific support for wearing a mask in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
a. If the order is one that requires everyone to wear a mask with no exceptions for health reasons, the sign will read: “By government order, a face mask or other suitable face covering is required to be worn while shopping. Customers without face masks are not allowed inside. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.”
b. If the order is one that requires everyone to wear a mask and there are exceptions for health conditions, the sign will read: “By government order, a face mask or other suitable face covering is required to be worn while shopping, unless doing so would inhibit your health. We appreciate everyone who is able to do so wearing a face mask while shopping. We thank you for supporting each other as we all do what we can and for your understanding that some customers and Crew are unable to wear a face mask as it inhibits their health. Together we are strong. Together we will thrive.”
c. Where masks are recommended and/or there is no government guidance, the sign will read: “My mask protects you. Your mask protects me. Thank you for wearing a face mask while shopping and helping to protect each other and our heroes in aprons and face masks.”
We are confident our customers will comply with these signs. We believe that when faced with an ethical choice and when fully informed, almost everyone will do the right thing, especially those who shop with us.
We think that using positive messaging and education is the best way to encourage our customers to wear masks. In this way, our customers will learn that wearing a mask is the best way to protect each other. Most people want to do the right thing by each other.
We ask that you are patient with and supportive of each other while shopping and understand that some people cannot wear face masks because wearing one would inhibit their health.
We want to promote a calm and peaceful shopping environment, where our Crew members are not put in harm’s way. We ask for your help in this.
We believe that we need to reframe the conversation and tone in the nation. We need to focus on a positive approach and figure out ways to support each other and help each other get through this.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this letter. We are working every day to find solutions to the problems that this pandemic continues to throw at all of us. We are all in this together. Together we are strong. Together we will thrive.
The Isely Family