Swazi Observer

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SHOPS ADOPT ‘NO MASK, NO SHOPPING’ POLICY

By SIFISO NHLABATSI | 2020-04-28

Shops have adopted a new policy to make people wear masks while stepping out of their houses.

Yesterday, the operating shops barred anyone from entering inside the shops without wearing a mask.

All shopkeepers and security guards made it clear that they had been instructed to follow the ‘no mask, no shopping’ policy under which security guards will not allow people entry into the shops without masks while shopkeepers said they would not sell any essential items to those who did not wear masks.

The measure, according to staff members was to safeguard customers' health and well-being as well as that of other customers and staff members working at the premises.

Over the past few weeks, supermarkets and grocery shops around Matsapha and surrounding areas put up signs to encourage clients to put on masks when shopping within their premises.

While shopping customers are constantly reminded that they should make their purchases quickly and refrain from loitering at the premises before and after items had been purchased.

Refrain

Those who brought family members for shopping at Spar in Mahhala Shopping Complex were informed that they should refrain from bringing them, especially the young and elderly, to reduce congestion.

Those who came with children were advised leave them at the shop’s entrance or turn back.

Members of the armed forces were also out in full force ensuring that anyone wore a mask.

Those who were sitting or lazing around were told to return back to their houses. Locals who went to buy groceries at shops with no masks were forced to return.

Stores

Even those who went to the shops to buy masks were told to come back wearing masks as they were not allowed to enter into the stores without masks.

Dejected members of the public felt like this defeated the whole purpose, as some of them claimed that they wanted to go out and buy masks but when officers turn them back for not wearing the masks, they felt frustrated.

“We are told that the wearing of masks when going shopping comes at a time when there are reports of grocery shop employees who have tested positive, so we should not expose ourselves as well,” said one customer.

On Sunday, it was reported that a eThekwini Spar employee tested positive for COVID-19. The streets of Matsapha were left empty yesterday, as police officers ensured that everyone complied with the COVID-19 partial lockdown regulations set by government.

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