CLAY COUNTY – While the Board of County Commissioners have made it clear there are no plans to enact a mandatory mask policy in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, stores in the area are taking matters into their own hands.

Walmart and Sam’s Club recently announced that masks will be mandatory for all customers and staff members, effective last Monday. Target, Aldi’s, CVS, Walgreens, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, PetSmart, Publix, Fresh Market, Kohl’s, Winn-Dixie and Starbucks have since followed suit.

Clay Today reached out to its readers on Facebook for the Facebook Question of the Week to see what residents think of the new policies and how businesses are treating mask mandates.

“At least they’re trying to do something about the spread and protecting employees,” resident Edward Meyer said. “Don’t like it? Pay more and go elsewhere.”

Meyer said when bars and restaurants opened back up in Florida, many ignored health guidelines. He pointed out that Florida is now the county’s epicenter of the coronavirus. Clay Today readers have responded to similar questions about mask mandates with overwhelming disagreement. Many people cite that they should have the freedom to determine whether or not they wear a mask when in public spaces.

Stores like Walmart, however, are private businesses which can set their own mask policies. Some people have responded to Walmart’s new policy by saying they’ll be taking their business elsewhere.

“It goes against my beliefs,” Sharon Ivins said. “I will not be wearing one nor will I go to a place that requires one.”

Joe Anderson agreed with Ivins and said that any business that requires he wear a mask is a business he will no longer support. He said he knows how to stay safely distanced from other shoppers and doesn’t need a business policing how he shops. He refuses to wear a mask because he got a “major rash” when he wore a mask to Costco. He “won’t wear one anywhere again” for that reason.

The CDC said masks are necessary to slow, if not stop, the spread of the deadly virus. Masks are needed to prevent the spread, not to prevent catching, of the virus.

A number of other Clay County residents responded to the Clay Today Facebook Question of the Week with similar beliefs: they won’t be shopping at Walmart while the mask mandate is in place. Many other residents though explained their satisfaction with the decision.

“I absolutely agree, especially after being in the medical field,” pediatrics professional Kim Lapointe said. “Such an easy thing to do – put on a mask – and it’s not a big deal at all. If you’re not thinking about yourself, at least think of others, especially our young and our elderly. Smartest decision ever.”

Craig Kluka works at Publix, which now will enforce masks in the store for customers. He wishes more stores would follow the lead by Walmart and Publix.

“I work at Publix on the frontline stocking shelves,” Kluka said. “I have to wear a mask and want customers to do the same. I do not want my health and ability to earn a living compromised by someone who ‘wants the freedom to do what they choose.’”

Will you continue to shop at Walmart, or any other store than now requires the use of face coverings, with their mask mandate in place? Will you find a different store to shop at? Let us know by reaching out to Clay Today on Facebook.