Employees and employers alike may be threatened and assaulted as businesses reopen with new COVID-19 guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns.
The CDC released a new set of guidelines to limit workplace violence as stories of customers reacting aggressively to mask-on policies and social distancing rules become more and more common, KCTV5 reports.
The CDC’s verdict? Keep calm and don’t argue back.
According to the guidelines, employees are encouraged to attend training on how to recognize threatening behavior as well as be aware of other co-workers in case a violent situation arises.
“Don’t argue with a customer if they make threats or become violent,” the CDC reports. “Don’t attempt to force anyone who appears upset or violent to follow COVID-19 prevention policies…”
Employers can be proactive by installing security systems, offering social distancing options (curbside pickup, delivery), and creating policies to respond to workplace violence, according to the CDC.
According to KCTV5, a slew of large retailers, including Home Depot, CVS and Walmart have announced that customers without masks will still be allowed to shop. Walmart’s policy, KCTV5 reports, includes asking customers if they’d like a complimentary mask, but not pressing the issue if the customer refuses.
The guidelines also come at a time where many Asian-owned businesses have faced multiple hate incidents since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month, a Canadian man was filmed shouting expletives at elderly staff of a local Chinese restaurant. Before that, a Bay Area restaurant, STIX, received an order from a customer laden with derogatory terms such as “Ching Chong Ugly A**.”
“We have to take it seriously.” Emily, STIX’s owner, said. “We can’t brush it off.”
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