Major retailers, including Myer, Bunnings and Kmart, have confirmed that all staff are now wearing face masks and customers will not be able to enter their stores unless they are adhering to Victorian government guidelines and wearing a mask also.
All Myer team members in Melbourne metro stores have been supplied with face masks and there will be increased signage to advise customers of this requirement across relevant stores. This is in addition to increased cleaning measures, hand sanitiser, sneeze guards at registers and social distancing measures already in place across the Myer store network.
All Bunnings team members in Victorian stores, distribution centres and trade centres are wearing face masks. Customers and suppliers are also required to wear a face mask or covering as a condition of entry to a Bunnings store or trade centre in metro Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire.
“Since the outset of COVID-19, we have put the welfare and care of our team and customers at the core of what we do,” Bunnings general manager of operations, Ryan Baker said.
“For customers looking to purchase face masks ahead of Thursday, we are well stocked and masks can be purchased in store or online. These temporary measures help keep our team, customers and suppliers safe and importantly, allow us to play our part in helping to control the spread of COVID-19.”
Kmart customers are required to wear a face mask when in stores located in metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, and the department store will continue to follow government advice.
“At Kmart, the health and safety of our team members and customers is extremely important to us and for this reason we will be aligning to the Victorian government announcement which requires the wearing of a face mask or covering in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire when in public,” a Kmart spokesperson said.
“Our customers also have the option of shopping online and there is contactless Click and Collect available. To help limit the spread of COVID-19 we previously communicated to our team members that wearing a mask in these locations is mandatory and we will continue to provide masks to our team.
“We recognise that this is a unique time and as we all adjust to this change, we ask that the public respect our team members in their workplace and adhere to Victorian government requirements.”
In line with Victorian government advice, children aged under 12 and customers with valid medical reasons will not be required to wear a face mask.
NRA shares guidance on mask requirements for Victorian retailers
The National Retail Association (NRA) has provided the below tips to Victorian retailers:
• Make disposable masks available.
• Provide clear guidance on how to use a masks properly – if you can make a video.
• Allow suitable reusable masks.
• Provide guidance on appropriate use and care of reusable masks.
• Provide guidance on how to deal with customers. Ensure staff are not subject to aggressive behaviour.
• Consult your legal counsel as needed.
When it comes to sourcing appropriate masks, the NRA shared the following advice:
• Ensure you purchase from a trusted supplier.
• Having an ARTG listing is preferable, but not a must: Non-sterile face masks that are designed as safety or protective apparel for use in the home or for recreational or occupational use are excluded from regulation by the TGA. There cannot be any
misleading claims in relation to packaging or advertising.
• Sight all relevant test reports – these should be from an approved laboratory and include all relevant clauses of the respective standard.
• Check if the factory is white listed by CCCMHPIE, China.
• Ensure the same manufacturer is stated on all documents provided to you.
• Ask for samples and review these.
• Ask for a final inspection report from a trusted third party.
• Keep a compliance folder.