Store staff members not wearing masks correctly
During a recent visit to a store in Kahului, within the first minute of being in the store, I observed five staff members not wearing their masks correctly.
Most of them had the masks below their noses and several had them below their chin. I was instantly angered as just a few hours earlier, I read in the New York Times that current data shows the coronavirus is spread by simply exhaling. Not sneezing and coughing, simply exhaling oxygen spreads coronavirus to other people.
I continued my shopping and observed several more staff not wearing masks correctly. I was made so anxious by it, that I went to the cashier area and asked for a manager. I spoke to a woman, who said she wasn’t a manager, but would relay my comments to him/her.
I decided to call the Department of Health COVID hotline and left a message that a public health officer should be sent over to the store and tickets/fines should be issued to the staff and store for violating the public health orders and asked for a return call.
Staff at hospitals have been wearing their masks properly for decades, and everyone is safe and healthy. I should not have to risk contracting COVID-19 because I need some supplies.
I didn’t find what I needed at the store and went to two other establishments. All of the staff there were wearing the masks properly.
Rick Russo
Lahaina