Effective May 11, Seward Community Co-op requires all employees to wear a face covering while on the sales floor. Late last week we were able to acquire a supply of disposable facemasks, clear plastic face shields and additional community-made cloth masks. We feel an incredible amount of gratitude to those who have made both masks and face shields for our employees. Having an adequate supply of personal protective equipment enables us to make this decision, which will create a safe environment for all who shop and work at our stores.

Over the last few weeks, we have had considerable discussion on this topic. We appreciate all of you who have shared your thoughts. We understand that not everyone has felt comfortable making the choice to wear a mask for a variety of complex reasons. In recent communications, we included examples of racial profiling of African American men and Asian Americans related to mask use. We have also heard feedback from staff and customers who have asthma, hearing loss or experience anxiety while wearing a mask because they are unable to breathe or hear. A number of our staff members have graciously shared their experience and perspective included below.

We have been carefully weighing these issues, which deeply affect the health and safety of our staff and wider community. We want everyone to feel safe wearing a face covering at Seward Co-op. Having multiple options we believe provides reasonable accommodation to those adversely impacted by masks.

We hope that shoppers will join employees in wearing face coverings while in our stores. To assist you with this, we will have a supply of disposable facemasks available at our customer service counters. Please ask for one if you forgot yours. We hope that you will join us in using the most effective practice possible to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Thank you.

Staff Perspectives on Wearing a Mask

“The best way for customers to show their support and appreciation for us is by wearing a mask inside the store. Not only would it help cut down on the stress and anxiety of being an essential worker, but it would also decrease the probability of transferring the virus. I’m proud to serve the public, I just want to stay healthy.”-Friendship Store Cashier

“The health and safety for myself and those that I come into contact with is very important. However, as a black male of color I personally struggle with wearing a mask as it surfaces trauma associated with racial profiling.” –Operations Manager

“I am choosing to wear a mask while at the co-op because my wife is expecting in the next few weeks. I do this to ensure I am healthy enough to support my family during this transition, as well as keep them safe. While it is a change, it is a small thing I can do that potentially has a big impact.” –Franklin Store Manager

“As an employee at Seward Co-op who is hard of hearing, I do not feel comfortable wearing a mask. I wear hearing aids and glasses. I cannot hear a person talking because all I can hear is my own breathing like I’m Darth Vader in Star Wars. I have to constantly take the mask off to hear. It is also painful to have so much behind my ears at one time.” –Franklin Store Manager on Duty

“I experienced a personal trauma that restricted my breathing during the birth of my child, inducing severe panic and anxiety any time my breathing has been restricted since. I am unable to wear a mask at work because it re-triggers my trauma.” –Franklin Store Grocery Manager

“I wear my mask so I can slow the risk of spreading an illness. It also gives me some positive head space to know that I’m taking responsible measures to ensure my coworkers are safe. PPE is important right now and the more we start making it a normal thing to practice, the sooner we can get back into a normal routine again.” –Facilities Assistant

“As an Asian American, I do not feel comfortable wearing a face mask at work because of the rise of anti-Asian racism the Asian American community is currently facing. Racism never disappears, it just adapts to new circumstances. And since the Coronavirus, a new strain of anti-Asian racism is apparent throughout the country. The Asian community has been targeted for being who they are, and they are living in fear of their safety. A note that was left on the door of an Asian American’s home in the Twin Cities that read, ‘We are watching you. Take the Chinese virus back to China. We don’t want you here infecting us with your disease.’ The microaggressions that I receive at work for being Asian American and wearing a mask are real and disruptive.” –Franklin Store Grocery Shift Lead

“As someone with asthma as well as a disability called POTS I have struggled with the decision to wear a mask at work. As an essential worker I don’t have the privilege to stay home to reduce my exposure and so I feel it is my responsibility to wear a mask. For a short trip to the store that’s fine, but when working an eight hour shift, it can drastically increase my symptoms. I have on multiple occasions had to excuse myself or stop working because I either passed out or felt too nauseated to continue working.” –Franklin Deli