In US, wearing a face mask will soon be federally mandated for interstate travellers.
The American President Joe Biden has made it a requirement for federal employees, on-site contractors and others stepping on federal grounds to wear masks.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association, National Retail Federation and Retail Industry Leaders Association — as well as several retailers, from Amazon to Old Navy — have welcomed President Joe Biden’s move to strengthen the federal face mask response to mitigate COVID-19.
The travel order applies to airports and planes, trains, intercity buses and public transportation.
Steve Lamar, President and CEO, American Apparel & Footwear Association, also suggested that Governors and Mayors around the country should follow the President’s lead.
He said, “It has become clear that face masks and coverings play an important role in keeping COVID-19 infections down, which is key to keeping American businesses open, American workers employed and American consumers protected.”
Gabriella Santaniello, founder and CEO of retail consultancy A Line Partners, strongly feels that the face mask mandate will drive consumers back to stores.
Gabriella added “Sure, this national face mask mandate could improve foot traffic, but the fact of the matter is that most retailers are currently operating with capacity restraints, and shoppers aren’t free to just come and go.”
The apparel and footwear industry is strongly in favour of this requirement, and encourages the adoption of similar measures in areas outside of the President’s jurisdiction by state and city leaders.
It is pertinent to mention here that in US, more than 4,00,000 people have died because of this pandemic.
The association said that during the next 100-plus days, President Biden’s priority will be to handle the COVID-19 crisis and AAFA will do everything it can to support and propose measures that improve the health and livelihood of all Americans.
The association has also been on the front lines connecting manufacturers and businesses to supply bulk mask orders, and has assisted brands as they adjusted supply chains to meet the increased mask demand.
