Dollar Tree/Family Dollar Loosen Customer Mask Policy

ACROSS CONNECTICUT — Dollar Tree seems to be bucking the trend these days with a reversal on a mask policy for customers amid the coronavirus pandemic .

Late last week, the company said updated its mask policy last week to a "request" for customers to wear face coverings "in stores where state and local ordinances are not in effect at the same time." Dollar Tree owns both it's flagship brand — Dollar Tree — and Family Dollar.

See the updates policy here.

Dollar Tree's policy goes against the flow of a retail trend that intensified this week with big box stores like Walmart making masks mandatory for customers. Other stores requiring masks include Sam's Club, Best Buy and Kohl's. Walmart has created a liaison position to remain at store entrances to "assist" customers with the mask policy. Kohl's will have a staffer in a similar position.

CVS and Walgreens also have customer mask mandates.

Connecticut does have mask requirements for store employees.

"We have a Business Response Team that is monitoring the situation and meeting frequently, identifying certain risks and taking actions," Dollar Tree CEO Gary Philbin said.

Dollar Tree's safety policies include:

• Employing enhanced cleaning protocols as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control
• Encouraging social distancing measures
• Modifying store hours to provide adequate time for associates to clean and restock shelves
• Dedicating the "daily first operational hour" to at-risk customers
• Providing personal protective equipment
• Implementing "associate health screening procedures"
• Installing clear acrylic guards at cash registers
• Accommodating "contactless payment" options at checkout stations