The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance for businesses operating during the pandemic: Don’t argue with anti-mask customers.
On Monday, the health agency added recommendations for customer-based businesses aimed at curbing the violence that occurs when some people don’t want to follow COVID-19 prevention policies. The guidelines included dos and don’ts for employees to follow.
“Don’t argue with customers if they make threats or become violent,” the CDC advises. “Don’t attempt to force anyone who appears to be angry or violent to follow COVID-19 prevention policies.”
The agency suggests workers take a “nonviolent” approach, which means remaining calm, giving the angry patron space and not touching or trying to forcibly remove them. The strategies are meant to limit violence towards workers, which can include a wide range of verbal and physical assaults, the CDC says.
The latest policies and procedures come as retail and grocery store workers continue to face occasional customers who act out and refuse wear masks or socially distance.
A number of those incidents were captured in viral videos. In one video, a Target security guard suffered a broken arm in a tussle with a customer. In another, a shopper intentionally destroyed a store display.
