When businesses don't comply with a mask mandate

[Rorey]

I'm kind of looking for advice.

A couple of nights ago my daughter went to a Kroger store. She's got numerous health issues, so she tries to do any necessary shopping when stores aren't busy. While she was there, she noticed a very verbal store worker had her mask down under her chin. My daughter was almost done shopping, so she was just going to ignore it. Then the worker went down the aisle that my daughter was in and almost shoulder checked her. My daughter said, "Why aren't you wearing a mask?" I wish she hadn't said it, but she did. Instead of the store worker simply pulling up her mask, she started getting confrontational and told my daughter to mind her own business, among other things. One thing led to another, and the store worker said she was going to get security. She came back with the security guard who told my daughter to leave the store. My daughter tried to plead her case, saying that all she did was ask the store worker to comply with the mandate. The security guard said he was sick of people thinking they were the mask police, and got in my daughter's face. She asked him to back up and he said, "No!" She asked to speak to a manager, and the security guard told her that the store worker WAS the manager. She asked for their names, and they both refused to tell her. She had no choice but to leave the store, and then she called me.

Now ordinarily I wouldn't insert myself into a situation that my adult children are in, but because of her health issues, I did. I called the store and asked to speak to the manager. The person who came to the phone wasn't the aforementioned store worker. When I relayed to her everything my daughter had told me, she figured out who I was talking about and said it was her night manager and said she would address it. I ended the conversation so she could do that, and then realized that I hadn't left a phone number, so I called back and left one with the service desk. I never got a call back. I ended up speaking to yet another manager the next day to ask him if he would make sure the security footage was preserved, and left a detailed account of the incident which my daughter wrote.

To cut a long story short, I'm still pretty mad because I just don't think they took any of this seriously enough. That second manager said it would take a little bit of time to investigate. I'm not really understanding how it could take very long to look at the security footage so he could see that the worker wasn't wearing a mask and that the security guard got in my daughter's face.

I've been shopping at that store for decades. and so has my daughter. Now my daughter thinks she'll feel awkward about going into that store in fear that the rude store worker and the security guard will give her a bad time. She's already got a lot of anxiety because of her health issues, and also because she's a victim of domestic violence.

So, are we making too big of a deal out of this? I wish my daughter had done what I do when I encounter someone without a mask. I just make an obvious point of doing the social distancing thing to sort of convey that they're an ass without my actually saying any words. But my daughter spoke.

I'm irritated that this is still on my mind two days after it happened. I should have been sleeping for an hour already, but I haven't been able to get my mind clear enough to drift off.

[Flaleftist]

1. You should report the incident to their corporate office.

The night manager and security worker were very unprofessional. They are lucky your daughter didn’t take a recording of it. You know how the Internet can work with things like this, but it is likely there are security cameras for corporate to confirm her side of the story.

[BigmanPigman]

3. Good idea.

[Rorey]

41. She was so mad at herself for not recording it

She was just dumbfounded at the situation, and didn't even think about whipping out her phone at the time. I told her we need to get her a Go Pro or something

[PatSeg]

51. Absolutely

This definitely needs to go corporate. The behavior of the employees was extremely unprofessional and they should be held accountable. And in the meantime, maybe find somewhere else to grocery shop unless you find out this has been resolved.

[NJCher]

2. No

In my POV, you did the logical, correct thing.

[cayugafalls]

4. You did good, get some rest. Call corporate as suggested up thread and report it

as a loyal and concerned customer that you are.

Rest easy, you're good.

[Claire Oh Nette]

20. Corporate

Call, email, and write a hard copy letter, and copy any board of directors as well.

Nothing but economic pressure will encourage management to uphold their own policies.

In Ingles recently, I told a guy too close behind me in line that he should cover his nose, or the mask was useless, like having his penis out of his underwear. He assured me it was OK, because he'd been tested negative.

"That's nice, I said. I'm still testing positive, but I'm feeling better." Then I coughed behind my mask.

He pulled his up, then made a bunch of noise about New Zealand, and going from airport to hotel to be quarantines.

"We're not in New Zealand. They took it seriously. We're not in a hotel or an airport, so... We're in a grocery store. Can I finish my sandwich order now, sir?" Cough, cough, cough.

I informed the manager as I left, and thanked them for such high mask compliance.

DIligence, kids....

[Rorey]

42. I had a real hard time getting this out of my head last night

But it's funny....as soon as I posted my OP, I was able to relax and fall asleep.

I guess I kind of feel like everyone here is my friend and has my back. That sounds kind of weird, but the like-mindedness I find here at DU has helped me get through a lot of the wrongs in this world. It sure made getting through this OrangeAssHell a lot easier.

[niyad]

64. You are correct. We are a family, and we have each other's backs at all times! I am appalled

at the way you and your daughter were treated. Definitely call corporate, and keep complaining until you and your daughter are taken care of.

I do hope it is not my favourite KS, because the manager and I would be having a little chat on your behalf. She knows what I am like!

[Rorey]

68. Unless you're in Pueblo, Colorado, it's probably not

That store used to be a lot better, but I guess the better staff finally retired. It just feels different now, though there are still some good people there.

[niyad]

70. No, I am in the Springs. I know what you mean though, about the feeling. Fortunately, we

still have a lot of our people. Some new holiday hires, will have to get to know them.

I hope this dreadful experience of your ddaughter's gets handled properly, and promptly.

[Rorey]

71. Well, then Hello neighbor to the north!

[niyad]

72. Greetings, neighbor to the south.

[Claire Oh Nette]

56. Corporate

Call, email, and write a hard copy letter, and copy any board of directors as well.

Nothing but economic pressure will encourage management to uphold their own policies.

In Ingles recently, I told a guy too close behind me in line that he should cover his nose, or the mask was useless, like having his penis out of his underwear. He assured me it was OK, because he'd been tested negative.

"That's nice, I said. I'm still testing positive, but I'm feeling better." Then I coughed behind my mask.

He pulled his up, then made a bunch of noise about New Zealand, and going from airport to hotel to be quarantines.

"We're not in New Zealand. They took it seriously. We're not in a hotel or an airport, so... We're in a grocery store. Can I finish my sandwich order now, sir?" Cough, cough, cough.

I informed the manager as I left, and thanked them for such high mask compliance.

DIligence, kids....

[Ms. Toad]

5. If there is a state mandate -

report it to your local health department. They are generally the enforcement body. Since it was an employee they are far more likely to be able to do something about it.

Check the local laws. Both the city and the county I live in adopted piggy-back laws requiring stores and other public places to enforce the mask order and imposing per violation fines. If you can recite the law, store managers are far more likely to act. (Otherwise they say there's nothing to do - but places with the piggy-back laws are generally required to enforce them to the same extent they enforce bans on indoor smoking.)

Then - report it as far up the chain as you can go if it is not a mom-and-pop store. Tell them you can't afford to shop there if they care so little about your health - and the health of the employees. Let them know you have filed a report with the local health department. If you have a loyalty account, it is helpful to let them know the number, especially if you have a history lf giving them business.

Keep filing reports. I know that the fact that I regularly file reports played a role in the piggyback order from county health department because my spouse is on the board of health. The state order really didn't have any teeth (since it ordered people, not businesses to comply). They got frustrated with increasing non-compliance after very good initial compliance. Now they ahve a rule that has teeth.

No. You are not making too big of a deal out of it. Enforcement by local businesses is a matter of life and death. Places that enforce the mask orders have near perfect compliance - adjacent stores where the businesses have conveyed the message that masks are not really required have less than 50% compliance. Less than 50% is not going to significantly decrease the death rate.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

7. Good advice yet again!

[Rorey]

40. I'm going to call the Health Department today

I like that perspective that you put forth about not being able to afford to shop there if they care so little about our health. Health is everything.

I do have a loyalty account, but now that I'm a single older person the loss of my contribution to their cash registers isn't going to make a big financial impact.

[tblue37]

65. Mention that your friends and family and message board acquaintances were horrified and pledged to

avoid the store until they could be sure that this issue was taken care of, because they all worry about the potential for deadly exposure.

[Rorey]

69. The complaint department at the corporate level

They know the right words to say, but I'm convinced at this point that it's all just talk.

What they don't seem to realize is that most people don't complain when something goes wrong. They just quit shopping at that business. A lot of managers don't understand that many times complainers are actually doing the business a service. They're telling them what's wrong so they can make the necessary improvements.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

6. I'm sorry that your daughter had that crazy experience!

As others suggested, I'd also recommend calling their corporate office about it.

[yonder]

8. Well that sucks. I was with both of you in your retelling.

I would follow up with the store and possibly the next level up, BUT wouldn't make too big a deal of it.

You generally like the store and have a history with it, right? That's worth a lot. I certainly wouldn't stop trading there because that sort of means they won. Instead, when shopping there keep your heads held high like you own the place - in a way you do. You are better than that. Don't let it eat at you either. Or, as a boss I once had was fond of saying: "don't let the primadonnas get you down".

My 2 cents.

[Rorey]

39. My daughter is now uncomfortable about the prospect of shopping there

As for me, I've got nerves of steel when it comes to things like this. As you put it, I will hold my head up high. I have every intention of continuing to shop there, if only to show that I can't be intimidated. Maybe my daughter can summon up her inner strength and do the same. She's got some issues because of her ongoing health problems, and she was also a victim of domestic violence for over a decade before she finally got out. She's got a lot of anxiety as a result.

I was just really struggling with how big of a deal to make of this. On a personal level, I don't feel like I have to be part of the issue at some point. I guess what I'm trying to say is that my daughter and I don't need accolades for trying to "change the world". It's the end result that matters. Mask mandate compliance works and can save lives.

[Maraya1969]

9. I'd call the owner or the CEO and complain.

[Rorey]

37. I don't think we have any choice but to go up the chain of command

We've got two King Soopers in my town. I rarely shop at the other one because it's farther away, but occasionally do go there if my store is out of something. The last time I was at the other one, there was an employee who wasn't wearing her mask over her face. I just grumbled silently to myself. Now I regret that. I should have reported her too. Thanks.

[KT2000]

10. You did the right thing

I would immediately write to the CEO at their corporate offices. State that you expect a reply within X number of days.
Our Kroger would never allow such a thing to happen. They have gone to great expense to alter their store for Covid protections. People used to go in there without masks but now there is a sign just inside the entrance that says - Do not enter without a mask that covers mouth and nose.

That little night manager was practicing her MAGAT behavior on your daughter, as well as the security guard and that cannot stand. We have to speak up when they trounce all over us. This just cannot become normal. You did great!

[Rorey]

35. I was actually expecting to be told we were overreacting

When I told my son about it yesterday, he started doing kind of a devil's advocate thing, seeming to worry about the night manager possibly getting fired. He actually asked me if I wanted that, because "she might have kids". I told him that I think it's her responsibility to behave appropriately so she doesn't lose her job. If she has kids to support, it's all the more important to do the right thing.

"This just cannot become normal!" That is perfect perspective! Thank you!

[wnylib]

11. Depending on what state you are in

there might be another option. NY has coronavirus policies that regulate businesses serving the public. Our county public health department has a link for people to make official complaints about unsafe practices.

I am going to log a complaint about a local 7/11 store. They have a sign on the door that masks are required, but all the employees routinely ignore it. No matter what day or time I go there EVERY employee wears their mask over the mouth only, with the nose hanging out. They sell pizza by the slice and have a self serve drinks area. Customers walk around the store with masks on their necks, eating pizza and sipping drinks. One day an employee restocking shelves was chatting with another one behind the counter. Both had pushed their masks down to their necks to hear each other shout across the store better. I have stopped going there. Too unsafe.

Another option might be to seek out a store that has good practices and not only shop there, but spread the word about where you shop and why. That way, your daughter will be safer and also be able to set consequences for the Kroger store.

I go to a grocery store whose manager and employees enforce masks and distancing. They call out people without a mask and give them one if they say they don't have one. If they refuse to wear it, the manager escorts them out. If customers push their masks down, employees remind them to wear them or leave. It has not hurt their business at all. People like feeling safe there, especially now that here in western NY cases are rising while the rest of the state remains steady below 1%.

[Rorey]

33. Apparently it's the police who respond here

They've already stated that mask compliance is a low priority, and they already take hours to respond to a lot of things.

I wish we had more shopping options where I live. That King Soopers is literally five minutes from my daughter's house. We have Walmart, but their hours are still very limited.

I think may daughter may just have start doing pickup with her shopping.

Oh, and the first manager that I spoke to flat out told me that they've told their staff not to say anything to non-compliant customers. I hate that, but I suppose they're also worried about the risks to their staff if the non-compliant customer is a lunatic.

[wnylib]

58. The CVS drugstore that I go to has a sign

requiring masks, but employees have been told not to mention it to customers without masks because they fear violent reactions.

The grocery store that enforces masks is privately owned, not a chain. He is well known and respected around town. This is a small city, although there are chain stores here, too.

I don't think police here would get involved in mask issues unless someone made threats or got violent. But, NY does have firm regulations in place and Cuomo has authorized businesses to refuse service to non-compliant customers regarding masks and distancing. Some bars and restaurants have been closed down and their licenses revoked for non-compliance with coronavirus health regulations. The local (county) health boards can also close a business that does not follow the rules on coronavirus. So, when I report the 7/11 near me, the complaint will be investigated. If the public health dept finds them in violation, they will get a warning. If it persists after that, they can be closed down.

I avoid stores that are lax about masks and distancing. When I see someone with their nose hanging out of a mask, or wearing the mask around their neck, I make an obvious point of moving away from them.

[wnylib]

59. The CVS drugstore that I go to has a sign

requiring masks, but employees have been told not to mention it to customers without masks because they fear violent reactions.

The grocery store that enforces masks is privately owned, not a chain. The owner is well known and respected around town. This is a small city, although there are chain stores here, too.

I don't think police here would get involved in mask issues unless someone made threats or got violent. But, NY does have firm regulations in place and Cuomo has authorized businesses to refuse service to non-compliant customers regarding masks and distancing. Some bars and restaurants have been closed down and their licenses revoked for non-compliance with coronavirus health regulations. The local (county) health boards can also close a business that does not follow the rules on coronavirus. So, when I report the 7/11 near me, the complaint will be investigated. If the public health dept finds them in violation, they will get a warning. If it persists after that, they can be closed down.

I avoid stores that are lax about masks and distancing. When I see someone with their nose hanging out of a mask, or wearing the mask around their neck, I make an obvious point of moving away from them.

[Demobrat]

12. I would post a description of the incident

on Yelp. People should know that the store does not take compliance seriously when making decisions about where to shop.

[pnwmom]

15. I was also going to suggest Yelp. It's appropriate to warn other customers

who care about mask wearing.

[Rorey]

32. I've been trying to exercise patience

I love that there are ways to let the world know about good things and bad.

I've been trying to give it a little bit of time so the store managers can act appropriately, but you're right. People need to know. Additionally, maybe they'll be more inclined to report non-compliance themselves. Thanks.

[Hekate]

13. Write it all down in the morning. Double check facts with your daughter. Write a letter.

Ask her if she would like to write the letter, or if she would prefer you to do it.

You and your family have spent a lot of money there over the years; it’s not just one person who is going to be upset. This is about their obligations to be respectful, and about everyone’s health. You can tell them they will lose a lot more than one customer over this — you have a family.

Here are some things you might say, and I hope this helps:

Dear Regional Manager/Name:

My family has been customers of your store for X number of years. We have, until now, enjoyed the experience and the products available.

However, something just happened that greatly concerns me. My daughter has serious health issues (don’t specify what; it’s none of their business) that require she wear a mask and socially distance in this time of pandemic. Doctor’s orders. (You don’t have to mention the doctor is named Fauci)

While shopping at X store located at Y address on Z date and time, she encountered an employee who (explain what) bumped her in the aisle, was rude and confrontational about wearing her mask, then called a security guard who was also rude and confrontational and said he was sick of the mask police while getting very close, and she had to leave the store.

My phone calls (date, time, person) have been fruitless. I asked for (security tape, etc) and have received no answer. I feel I have been blown off.

I want a phone call from the actual manager indicating you have dealt with this incident by educating your employees about courtesy and safety. I want to hear back from you about the education of your employees.

We are very upset about this, and if you cannot or will not respond you will lose all of us as customers — not just my daughter. We will also not hesitate to tell our friends.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Name
Address
Phone number

CC: Store Manager
Corporate Boss

(Here is something to leave out:
Any reference to her history of domestic abuse. That would open her to bullying from cruel people.)

[Rorey]

31. Thank you!

We both wrote out our accounts. I wrote what my daughter reported to me, and she wrote her account. Of course they both said the same thing, but we submitted both anyway.

And now I think we're probably going to have no choice but to go beyond the local store. You've just made it a whole lot easier for me to compose our next correspondence. Thank you so much!

[DFW]

14. I would give a detailed account to the local press.

Seeing their actions detailed in a newspaper report often leads to public apologies and some backtracking. It could always lead to bricks thrown through your windows, too, but if that happens on the heels of the article, then the press will REALLY get interested.

[Rorey]

30. I was kind of worried about that brick thing.

Not for me, but for my daughter. Where I live, visibility between neighbors is great and we watch out for each other. I've got motion lights and cameras too. I've been after my daughter to pick out a camera system (which I'd of course have to pay for, but I think it's necessary).

I do have a big concern that the store managers may have shared our names with the offending worker.

Thanks for the great advice.

[DFW]

38. My dad was a member of the print press

So, i tend to think in those terms sometimes. Here in Germany, you have to be careful what you print, as they will come after you with a vengeance (legal action) if they think you were unjustified in what you printed. I think in the States, the press is sometimes a little bolder.

Businesses here tend to vary widely in their quality of service, not just the big stores. We once had part of the roof "repaired" here in Germany, but the guy and his company only did 3/4 of the job and then never returned. We had wood hanging dangerously low, and electrical cables dangerously exposed. Since he was still advertising like crazy, we called, left messages, nothing worked. Silence. I finally got drastic, and called the guy's wife to express my condolences on his death. She freaked out, saying WHAT? WHAT HAPPENED? I said, well since he never followed up on his guarantee for his work, we figured he must have had a tragic fatal accident, didn't he? She said no, no, not at all, she had seen him at breakfast. I said that couldn't be, as he had promised weeks before to rectify any damage or unfinished work, and we had taken him at his word. He and his crew came by the next day and fixed everything. He didn't appreciate my call, and we didn't appreciate his shabby business practice, so we were even.

Things in the States seem to have reached a new level.

[Rorey]

44. Oh my gosh, I'm rolling with laughter!

What a perfect way to remedy a situation! I just love your sense of humor!

[DFW]

55. My wife scolded me at the time

But afterwards, she admitted that it had been a cost-conscious and thoroughly effective way to get the guy to finish the job we had paid him for. Today, she just laughs when she tells the story, so I have to assume she has forgiven me.

[flor-de-jasmim]

16. AND your willingness to address the issue may save lives.

[Rorey]

29. THAT is a very, very good point!

I can't even believe that I haven't put it in that perspective. I've been in that "mama bear" protective phase.

[ms liberty]

17. Call Kroger's corporate office, and if they seem disinclined

To listen and investigate, call your local news station.

[Rorey]

28. That's been my thought too

Honestly, I think the media should do a story on this regardless. People should be informed about what to do when something like this happens. Going home and silently feeling bad about it isn't the answer for me.

[ms liberty]

50. Agree 100%. n/t

[ms liberty]

18. Also, they've treated other customers like this too

You just haven't heard about it. It's right there in the security guard's comment. "He's sick of it. "

[Rorey]

27. That's what my daughter said too

She said, "Imagine all of the poor older people who have been treated like that and just never said anything."

Of course I'm one in the "older people" category, but I'm pretty feisty.

[ms liberty]

49. Me too! I tell people that all old people lose their filter, but I'm starting early because

I've earned it, lol! I am 61 now though, so maybe that counts as old to some people?

[Rorey]

52. I've got nothing to lose, mostly

I just turned 66, and really can't even believe that that's the number attached to me.

I'm my own boss. My income is mostly from my rental properties. I have the freedom to say things and make a big deal out of things that I didn't have when I was working for a paycheck. I treat people with kindness and I think I'm a fair-minded person, but when I see a wrong being done, I have no qualms about speaking out.

I used to think that being in my age category would really suck, but I'm actually really enjoying it. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to get so damned smart.

[pecosbob]

19. In my city, Smith's is owned by Kroger

In all their locations I have visited they are fully complying with all mandates...one way aisles, mandatory masks, etc. This sounds like a local problem for the corporation. In my store we are routinely watched by corporate on CCTV and if we fail to wear our masks we will be immediately terminated. Bottom line is that the responsibility falls on the local manager and employees...if you live in a Trumpian hell-hole you're not likely to see full compliance.

[Rorey]

25. I like that!

That they're being watched by corporate on CCTV.

I'm in Pueblo, Colorado, and we're generally left leaning. I was told that the general manager is actually in Colorado Springs, which is, as you put it, "a Trumpian hell-hole". So I may have to go beyond him to force a resolution. Thanks!

[pecosbob]

63. Yeah...Pueblo is kind of like a Yin to Colorado Spring's Yang

Seems like CS is mostly retired Air Force and prison guards...not a bastion of free-thinkers.

[phylny]

21. My response doesn't address your concerns regarding mask wearing, which are valid, but

I have been using Kroger's pickup service, which right now is free (I do choose to tip the person bringing out my order). Go to Kroger.com and you'll find the pick up option on the right side of your screen.

This of course does not change what happened to your daughter, but it does minimize her exposure.

Good luck. I'm sorry she had this experience.

[Rorey]

23. Which brings up another thing

I wish they'd have maybe one hour a day when the staff filling the pickup orders isn't out on the floor. At least in my store, they are awful about blocking aisles and seem oblivious about it.

That night my daughter needed a "personal item" (yeah, that one). She's not great about thinking ahead.

I know she did use the pickup service in the beginning a couple of times, but it was when stock was still low, and she got frustrated when she didn't get most of what she ordered. Maybe she'll try it again now.

[tanyev]

22. Agree on contacting corporate office. The employees at my Kroger are very diligent about masks.

Granted, my state is currently under a mask mandate, but they were all wearing masks even before that was issued.

[Rorey]

24. Most at my store are too

I'm in Colorado, and we've been under a mask mandate since July 16. I think I'll go in this morning and ask if any conclusion has been reached because nobody has gotten back with my daughter, and then ask exactly which person I should deal with, indicating to them that we do intend to go higher.

[Meowmee]

26. I agree with what everyone said

Call the corporate office, email the ceo etc. Call the health board. I probably would just shop somewhere else. I am still having everthing delivered. I have only shopped once since March when we lost power during isias looking for ice.

I had my own mask experience at my current pt for knee now. The receptionist was not wearing a mask- I asked her why and she said I am protected because I’m behind this thin sheet of plastic which was hanging from the ceiling LOL. I told her you’re not protected by that and you should wear a mask to protect yourself so she immediately put on one of those gator things, I’m not sure if I’m using the right word here. I had just seen a report that said that was the worst type of mask you could wear but I didn’t say anything.

The therapists and the people who were helping more were all wearing those masks, the people who were cleaning and stuff like that were wearing surgical masks, I thought that was very odd.

I debated whether I should go back there and then I just decided that I was going to wear my KN95 and I wear goggles as well. Next time I went back there was an older woman who was wearing a surgical mask in the receptionist area. I kind of felt like telling the people who are wearing the gator masks that they were not well protected etc. but I decided not to. On another occasion the second receptionist had the mask off or not covering her nose and then she put it on when I came in so clearly a lot of people are not really complying. I feel if I have my KN95 and my goggles on I will be OK and I’ve already had Covid once in April- I just hope I don’t get it again, I don’t feel like I have even fully recovered yet from it still.

My second experience was at the doctor last week, he asked me why I was wearing goggles. I said so I don’t catch anything obviously, not what I felt like saying. 🤯

[Rorey]

43. I am so sorry!

My daughter also went through that experience when she was getting physical therapy. Finally enough patients complained and they all started wearing masks at that clinic.

Pardon me for saying so, but your doctor sounds like an idiot. How could he not know the value of also protecting your eyes??

[Meowmee]

57. It's hard to believe that could happen

At a pt place! I am sorry your daughter went through all of this too…

I was going for therapy for my back from the Covid pneumonia pain which never went away before I started the therapy for my knee. I decided to switch to another place which was a mistake obviously because at the first center they were all wearing good masks. Maybe I should switch back I’m not sure what to do.

That doctor is not my regular doctor I was referred to him by the doctor that treated my ankle at the same practice of doctors.. because they don’t treat knees- this is what medicine has come down to now, each orthopedic doctor seems to only treat one area of the body. I sprained my ankle about six weeks ago badly and that’s when my knee started having problems. I cannot go up and down the stairs with that leg. It was pretty unbelievable that he said this to me, he was an idiot overall though.

He tried to tell me nothing was wrong with my knee because I could move it around normally supposedly and he tried to tell me there was no fluid in my knee when I said I can feel fluid in there and you could see it was swollen. LOL But he did do an ultrasound on my knee and gave me a prescription for an MRI which I did last night. I am not going back to him though. He already said my next visit would be a video conference but I’m not gonna pay another co-pay for any of his advice, that is for sure. I actually went back to the main center of that whole clinic to complain about him but I had to go in and wait at the receptionist area there and I couldn’t be bothered waiting because they were taking forever so I just left. I asked them to refer me to another doctor there. Now I have to find another doctor for my knee because I only have about three visits left for the physical therapy I think. And I’m gonna need someone to give me another prescription for that. I already waited three weeks to see this doctor. But the ankle doctor assistant gave me a prescription for therapy for my knee.

I looked him up online and he had numerous bad reviews- before Covid so there was nothing about mask comments etc. You know it is almost unbelievable a doctor would say that to you- I couldn’t tell from his tone if he was trying to make fun of me or not. But I have been through a lot and I’ve had a lot of crazy things said to me by doctors.

When I go to doctors that are associated with this group they always send me an email to review the doctors. I almost never do it but I think I’m going to in this case.

[johnp3907]

34. As others here have said: Take it to corporate.

Good luck.

[Rorey]

36. Thank you!

We're definitely not going to let this blow over.

[MissB]

45. I know a lots of people have said contact corporate but one more thing

would be to post on Kroger’s twitter and Facebook pages. Large companies are still paying attention to social media posts.

You’d just need to post on their page with basic information about the incident.

Also, have her try the pickup option again. Their stock varies but I’m able to get nearly everything I want there.

[roamer65]

46. Report them to your state health department.

[Rorey]

54. I was planning to call the County Health Department today

But I think your advice about reporting them at the state level is better. Thanks!

[yellowdogintexas]

66. I don't know where you live but our County Judge issued

the toughest mandate.

I am not sure if Abbott has issued a statewide mandate as strict as ours but it has made a difference in the number of folks even bothering to wear masks. Of course they still do the chin strap and expose the nose.

My husband will confront anyone about it. He has respiratory issues and I have heard him tell folks that not wearing a mask could contribute to making him very ill

[Rorey]

67. I live in Pueblo, Colorado and we're in critical stage

Just a step away from a complete lockdown, from what I gather. As of Sunday night, restaurants can only do take-out and outdoor dining, but it's too cold here for outdoor dining at this point. Stores and businesses have limited capacity.

Personally, I'm going to be staying home, unless it's just to go for a drive to get out. I'm stocked up on what I need, and I don't see any point in taking chances with the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's still a pretty dim light.

I hope you and your husband stay safe.

[sarcasmo]

47. That's why I switched my shopping from Pic and Save to Meijer.

Meijer is mid-west chain and they enforce the mask ordinance. Big red stop sign in front of the door, you must wear a mask when entering.
Emailing the corporation often nets a better result .

[Hotler]

48. Which Kroger was it? Please share the location.

There is a Sprouts by me that has it together. Everyone wearing mask and social distancing and, they have one door in and one door out. They have a person stationed to wipe down all the carts and baskets after use. Kroger (King Soopers) on the other hand, I feel like I need a shower after I shop there.

[Rorey]

53. Pueblo, Colorado

We have two King Soopers here, one on the north side and one on the south. The store where this happened is 102 West 29th Street. It only has one big doorway, and getting in and out is annoying because of the congestion.

I like Sprouts, but we don't have one here. The closest one is in Colorado Springs. I used to stop in at Sprouts, Whole Foods or Trader Joe's when I was there for other business, but now I'm a homebody because of the pandemic.

The only other groceries we have here are Albertson's/Safeway and Walmart, and I'm not a fan of either, though I do go to Walmart for cat food.

[JesterCS]

60. I live on SW Ohio

And our local kroger, half the employees wear the mask in a way that doesn't cover the nose. I've held back from saying anything so far, but I really want to bitch about it.

[Rorey]

61. I think I'm on the right track

By yesterday morning, neither of the managers I've talked to at the store had gotten back to me. I followed the advice of several posters here and called the health department. The person I talked to took the report and assured me that they'll be checking that store more now.

Then in the afternoon I decided to go by the store and get some milk and fruit. There was the security guard, on duty, and I was not happy. I said nothing, got my items, and went home.

Then I called a number that I had gotten for Kroger as part of an auto response to an online complaint submission. I had a conversation with one person who transferred me up the chain to another person. We had a LONG conversation, and while we were talking he retrieved the complaints that both my daughter and I had submitted, along with my emails.

I told him that we weren't trying to get anything for my daughter, and we weren't out to get someone fired. We just wanted a safe, comfortable shopping experience for ALL customers. He said he was going to refer it all to HIS supervisor.

I suppose the local store will get some sort of direction/reprimand from the corporate office, and I suppose I'm going to be a villian when I go in the store. It doesn't matter. I can handle it. Honestly, I DARE anyone there to be the least bit rude to me or my daughter.

So we'll see what happens.

Maybe you could make an anonymous report online about your store, and maybe also call the department. I really wouldn't advocate for anyone to do what my daughter did. She's got this brain thing going on, along with other health issues, and sometimes blurts things out without thinking things through. I mean, I don't think what she said was wrong, but sometimes goals can be accomplished in less painful ways. I know I sure didn't want to spend so much time on this. I've got a long list of projects to do before winter, and we've got a critical election coming up in less than 47 days.

Good luck.

[JesterCS]

62. Thanks for the detailed reply

If it keeps up at my local store I might have to do the same