PARMA, Ohio — One of Northeast Ohio's largest retailers is stepping up its efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus, with Marc's announcing Thursday it will require customers to wear face masks inside all of its stores.
The Parma-based chain, which sports dozens of locations across Northern and Central Ohio, made the decision in line with recommendations from Gov. Mike DeWine and the CDC. The mandate will go into effect this Monday.
"We believe this simple act of safety is the right thing to do under the current circumstances," a statement from Marc's read. "A face covering protects not just the wearer, but others as well. This simple step will help ensure the safety of everyone in the communities we serve."
Several of Marc's stores are in counties where residents are already required to wear masks due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers, and DeWine months ago ordered all employees at places such as Marc's to wear the coverings. The company says signs and workers will be present to remind customers of the new policy.
Marc's joins a growing list of local and national companies who will be requiring masks inside their stores. Last last week, places like Wal Mart and Target changed their own policies, and health experts have said an increase in people wearing masks will lead to a quicker end to the pandemic.
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