By: Dr. Bernie Klein, Chief Executive, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center

Perhaps like many of you, I became so accustomed to seeing the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service” signs that they faded into the background.

We never really talked about it; we just understood this was the rule and we followed it.

The events of the last two years have required we add another sign to the window, one that has not faded quite so quickly from our consciousness or conversation:  Face coverings are required to enter this store.

I wish I could say this sign has been as well-observed as its predecessor.  Unfortunately, the number of consumers shopping without appropriate face coverings seems to be on the rise and I am deeply disappointed by this.

As both a physician and the chief executive of a local hospital, I have a unique perspective on the pandemic.

I have seen the toll COVID-19 has taken on our entire community.

Our heroic, compassionate providers and employees have given every ounce of their minds, hearts and energy in the care of those with COVID.

To date, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center has admitted over 3,800 COVID patients.

Unfortunately, we lost more than 470 of those patients — patients who were treasured and loved by their families and friends.

Like all of you, I’m also a consumer and am out there shopping.  And when I see the signage so prominently displayed, and just as blatantly ignored, it strikes deep within me.

I have spoken up, asking those without masks if they might have forgotten theirs, and even offered to provide them with one.  Their responses vary.

However, what troubles me most is the response of the store management when I bring this to their attention.

I am consistently told they try to enforce the mask mandate, but they cannot force the consumer to wear one.

I then remind them that they do not have to serve these people.  However, their response is always the same.  It is a “Corporate” decision.

I am not naíve, and I understand people feel very strongly on both sides of this issue.  I know the addition of my voice to the chorus of evidence-based arguments won’t sway the minds of those who are convinced this is some kind of “fake news” or conspiracy or personal right.

Instead, I want to challenge the owners and managers of retail establishments to trust me and my colleagues … the most effective way for us to handle this crisis is through preventative measures.

Wash your hands, wear a mask and insist your customers do as well.  These simple measures have proven to be incredibly effective in preventing transmission.

And as new, potentially more virulent variants appear, it is even more important than ever to wear a mask in public, particularly indoors.

My colleagues and I will continue to do our very best to serve this community in the midst of crisis.  We desperately need owners and managers of retail and restaurants to do their part.

And so I challenge you to modify your policies to ensure your own safety, the safety of your employees and ultimately the safety of those who want to safely give you their business.

Let’s make it clear:  No Shirt.  No Shoes.  No Mask. No service.

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