by Kenna S. Eaton, GM

With the recent decrease in new COVID-19 cases, the Jefferson County Health Department has announced the indoor masking order will be lifted as the morning of March 12th, 2022. Dr. Berry stated in a recent press release, “While the pandemic is not over, we are transitioning into a new phase of our response, and it is believed that it will be safe to relax some of our COVID-19 mitigation measures.” This also reflects similar changes in rules recently announced by Washington State as well as other governing bodies.

So, this is a pretty big move, and I expect many of us have mixed feelings about the advisability of removing the masking mandate. I also think that we have grown new skills and muscles in the last few years. We’ve become accustomed to adapting to rules and regulations in a way we never knew about just two long years ago.

I suspect that some people will be more comfortable wearing a mask as long as covid is with us, and even in the future, if they feel ill or are worried that others are spreading a new flu or cold around town. Great! Please do. Masking has become more “normal" for many of us.

We thank you all for doing your best to be great community members, team players who understand the importance of making our cooperative safer at what felt to many like a very scary time. While we might not all be quite ready to celebrate, hopefully we can all feel a bit easier. Thanks to YOU for helping us navigate all these changes—and here’s hoping this next phase goes smoothly!

But what does that actually mean for shoppers (and staff) at the Food Co-op? We came up with eight areas that have been affected since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020—some of these changes will remain in place and others will be eased.

1. Masks will be optional for customers and staff. Our signage will reflect that they are optional, rather than recommended or required. (To be honest, we are very tired of being the “mask police.”) Whether or not you choose to wear a mask, please do not make others uncomfortable for their choices. Mask wearing has been a contentious issue, but we hope we can treat each other with respect and kindness as we move to this next stage.

2. We will continue to urge shoppers to stay home if they are feeling ill. Same with staff, who will continue to answer health-related screening questions every day they work.

3. No special shopping hours. Please consider using our online shopping service, Coop2GO, or wear a mask if you are concerned about exposure to others. We will continue to offer this service free of charge at this time.

4. Shields at check stands will remain. New check stands were installed in early March (we’re super excited by the way). After working with them, we’ll decide if we want to go for more permanent shields made of something more rigid or keep our flexible curtains.

5. Sanitizing standards and times will remain the same throughout the store. We will continue to deep sanitize check stands, carts, and baskets at night.

6. We will continue to offer wipes, masks, and sanitizer throughout the store.

7. We will continue to ask shoppers to leave carts outside the bulk room whenever possible, acknowledging that if you have a small child on board or if you need the cart for assistance in walking or standing, you might need to bring it in. Please remember it is very tight in the bulk room, so leaving the cart outside whenever possible would be awesome!!

8. We will continue to offer sanitizer at the bulk room entrance, but we’ll no longer require hand washing prior to entry—although we highly recommend it, and the sink will still be there.

For a host of reasons, we will not re-open the cold bar, the dining room or the vendor booth area at this time. Those re-openings will depend on other changes happening, not just face coverings. That’s it for the COVID related operational changes we anticipate implementing at this time.

With deep appreciation for all of you,

Kenna