I am NOT against face masks. To date, our church has sewn over 1,200 surgical masks, and approx. 200 cotton masks, for use by medical professionals and the public during this pandemic.
However, this should be a voluntary action, not mandated by a store and forced on everyone, especially when there are no laws requiring the wearing of masks in many places, such as my entire state of Arizona.
Costco is set to implement a policy that mandates all customers must wear face masks starting Monday, May 4th. I have many reasons to be against such an order, which I will share in a separate post.
In the meantime, here is what you can do to fight back:
1. Contact Costco (local store manager, corporate customer service number, website, email, social media). Every local manager I spoke with welcomed this feedback, and it was obvious that the vast majority of them do not agree with this policy.
2. Cancel your membership for a full refund on May 3rd, 2020 (or before that date). This will send a strong financial signal to Costco.
3. Take your business to stores that have no such policy, or use Instacart and Amazon instead. Locally, Sprouts stores have stood out above and beyond every other store in how well they have been treating their customers, keeping inventory in stock, continuing to run great sales, etc.
4. Tell the person at the door that you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face mask. They are not allowed to inquire about your condition, nor are they allowed to turn you away. Several store managers have confirmed to me that they will permit members to enter without a face mask who tell them they cannot wear a mask.
I had thought the same, however once they found out you can be sick for over a week before symptoms show and that 50% don't show any symptoms(as of Iceland's findings, only country to test 100%) that now it was worth wearing? Especially the better ones, which I was finally able to get. I'd love to hear your thought thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you say it "should be" voluntary? Costco is private property. I don't believe in big government. Owners of private property should be able to make their own rules. You are free to avoid Costco if you don't like those rules.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that you are tacitly condoning lying about having a medical condition.
ReplyDeleteWearing a mask protects others from your germs - if caring for others inside of Costco is unappealing to you (others who may themselves have conditions, may live with vulnerable people or work on the front lines in hospitals), please take one of the first three actions and stay out of their stores. Your fourth way to "fight back" is immoral and selfish.
As someone who grew up in Arizona and knows many families there with seniors, I appreciate Costco taking extra steps to keep their employees and customers there safe regardless of what the governor is requiring.
I share the feeling of shock but not the "tacit" sentiment in the above comment.
DeleteIn my opinion Ms. Anderson is BLATANTLY condoning "bearing false witness."
If you dislike the mask requirement then shop elsewhere.
I think Costco has made the masks mandatory to protect their employees, not to aggravate their customers. Latest data shows the non-N-95 masks only protects those you come in contact with (Costco cashier/employees), it does not protect you. So many grocery store cashiers and employees are getting this virus with some dying. If wearing the mask helps prevent these mostly minimum wage workers from the virus and helps in keeping grocery stores open, I'm all for it. Perhaps Costco is worried about liability issues if they don't implement as many measures as possible to protect their employees, I also doubt they want mass absences of employees because they're out with Covid-19. Try to look at it as if YOU were coming into contact with so many customers on a daily basis who may have this virus, especially if you had just recovered from cancer, had lupus, were in the upper age range or resided with someone that fits in any of these categories.
ReplyDeleteNope. Scamdemic. Stop believing msm. It's a DISTRACTION from andrew windsor and co. Not wearing a mask, never going to costco again.
DeleteAbsolutely incorrect. N-95 masks are what you wear in contaminated areas. They filter what you breathe to protect YOU. They don't filter what you breathe out. Surgical masks are what you wear in a sterile environment, like an operating room, and it filters what you breathe out to protect the sterile environment, but doesn't filter what you breathe in.
DeleteI agreed up until #4- whether or not they are allowed to ask about your condition, if you are lying to avoid a stupid rule, you are not only setting a terrible example for your children/families/anyone else you happen to run into that knows you don't have a condition, but also going against God's Word. Christians are not to lie-or encourage others to lie. Come to think of it, neither should anyone else. On the other hand, those with a legitimate issue, of course, would not be lying, so go for it!
ReplyDelete(BTW, when I say YOU, I am on referring to you personally, just anyone who would do that)
I'm not trying to be difficult or rude, I just wanted to point that out. My state has a rule of it, and I've seen lots of people of fb saying the same thing as you did. Also, I did not watch the video so if you addressed it there, I apologize.
Blessings! Been a reader since before Becky was born, one of the few blogs I check regularly. :)
Many states are now mandating it, how do you suggest getting around that? Also, lying about having medical conditions would not sit well with me. Instacart is not available everywhere, and Amazon is very backed up for groceries.
ReplyDeleteAre you encouraging people to lie about having a medical condition? That does not meet with my idea of integrity.
ReplyDeleteIsn't encouraging people to lie about having a medical condition a sin?
ReplyDeleteFirst, I object to the dishonesty of getting a full year's refund for a service that was almost entirely used. Just don't renew the card and asked for a prorated refund. That action is part of being exercising good character and not treating this as providential windfall from heaven. Second - don't tell the greeter, making minimum wage and on their feet 8 hours a day a lie if you really do not have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask. It is dishonest and rather juvenile.
ReplyDeleteMasks are worn to protect other people not yourself and therefore that cannot be voluntary.
ReplyDeleteWith #4, are you suggesting to state that you have a medical condition if you don't actually have a medical condition?
ReplyDeleteDear Zsuzsanna,
ReplyDeleteWriting from the UK here. I have followed you since becoming saved at the age of 31. I have enjoyed your teachings, encouragement and guidance to those seeking to live biblically. Whther it's of not or not I had quite a dramatic conversion while I was a stripper.
It's very interesting to see how a large percentage of the States are reacting to health and safety policies. However the reason for commenting is that number 4 seems that you are asking people to lie. It seems this is much more political. I'm deflated and confused. It seems more a personal agenda but you are coercing people, as a Jesus follower to speak untruths.
Do you have any thought that encouraging people to say they have a medical condition, even if they don't, is promoting lying? Do you see that as being in line with Biblical principles? I'm afraid if I did that, it would send my children the message that lying in order to achieve my own goal is okay. I know many who would spank their children for doing that. It feels like a very slippery slope.
ReplyDeleteI am very surprised that one of your options is to lie about having a medical condition.
ReplyDeleteIt's irresponsible to post this, and encourage others not to wear a mask. Even if you don't care about your risk, you risk the lives of others who are medically fragile, by not wearing a mask. And telling the person at the door you have a medical condition at the door encourages people to lie. When was raised in the IFB church we were taught to put others before ourselves and we certainly didn't encourage other to be dishonest about their health. Please reconsider this post which puts medically fragile people at risk. I'd like to think someone's elderly parent won't died as a result of people following your advice.
ReplyDeleteEndangering the health of others, given a public ordinance is disgusting.
ReplyDeleteThis me kindly telling you in the kindest way possible, that you’re selfish.
ReplyDeleteAnd when your husband or Child or another loved one of yours get sick because of an asymptomatic carrier who thought they were entitled to not wear a mask I can promise you that your tune will change real quick.
Take your pseudo Christianity and kindly shove it ❤️
As a Christian I refuse to lie about anything regarding my health... or anything! Have we forgotten the commandments?
ReplyDeleteYou want us to LIE?
ReplyDeleteWhat does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
ReplyDeleteJames 2:14-17
Interesting information. Thank you for making masks. I'd think you're better off going to another store. Don't lie - that is not necessary! Just shop somewhere else if you don't like this or any other policy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Are you advocating for people to lie about having a medical condition when they do not have one? I’m 100% that it is the 8th commandment which states “Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor” which is almost always interpreted as NOT lying. It is wildly inappropriate for you to be advocating for the act of lying when you claim to be so Christian. Such a shameful woman.
ReplyDeleteif you had a medical condition wouldn't you want to be wearing a mask though
ReplyDeleteOr just be a decent human being and wear the mask.
ReplyDeleteAre you encouraging people to lie about having a medical condition?
ReplyDeleteWhy are you being wreckless and encouraging people to LIE???
ReplyDeleteWow. I've followed your blog for quite some time but I have to disagree with you here. Dangerous and selfish reasoning, and not very christian at all.
ReplyDeleteSo a pastor's wife is encouraging people to lie? A bit hypocritical don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with No. 4. "Tell the person at the door that you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face mask" as it does not model good character for my children. As Christians we should stand up for our principles and be "confident and unafraid" in doing so. Lest we hide our light under a bushel, we must be bold in speaking out for righteousness, not lie to get our way.
ReplyDeleteLauren the mask is something they are doing to protect the vulnerable. By doing that it allows the the elderly a place to go out and shop because it provides them a layer of protection. Remember the mask is to protect others so every time you wear it you are giving a gift of kindness. As a Christian I have seen it as something I could have visioned Jesus doing.❤️ As a nurse I was super excited Costco was doing this for our elderly.
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly selfish. Of you don't care if you get sick, that's fine. But it's selfish and childish to refuse to protect others and yourself by not wearing a facemask.
ReplyDeletePlease grow up, admit that you're wrong, and put away these childish attitudes.
You'll be in my prayers.
#4. I'm pretty sure God would know if you are lying about having a medical condition. Seems like a strange sin to choose...
ReplyDeleteSo....#4....are you suggesting that people say they have a medical condition...even if they don't? I respectfully disagree with that, but do agree with #1-#3 if you disagree with wearing a mask. But, really....it's not that big of a deal. Looking forward to seeing your separate post to explain why you are against it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have real issues with number 4. Are you telling people to lie?
ReplyDeleteSo... 4. Lie? That doesn't seem very Christlike.
ReplyDeleteThey're a private business and can do as they like, and you as the consumer can refuse to patronize. I'm all for that freedom. But lying about a medical condition, or making one up in your head to try to justify your lie, isn't the way.
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly stupid to do. Why wouldn't you want to protect yourself and others?
ReplyDeleteJust curious, why it is so bad to wear a mask? In Pennsylvania where I live we are all wearing mask in every grocery store.
ReplyDeleteI don't enjoy wearing masks everywhere I go, but I hope that I'm protecting others people's life. I would love to know why you're against wearing masks in public. Thank you, many blessings.
ReplyDeletei'm not understanding why you're against a private business having rules about something you're not against in the first place. i'm also not understanding why you're encouraging people to lie about having a medical condition.
ReplyDeleteSo, you want people to bear false witness and lie about a medical condition they do not have?
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't a very nice thing to say but this post is a total complete waste of space.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't the 9th commandment tell us to not lie? How can I do point 4 if I don't actually have a condition?
ReplyDeleteIf masks work , why is everything shut down
ReplyDeleteIs masks don’t work why are we wearing them
Things to ponder
Liar!
ReplyDeleteWearing a mask is one of the very few things we can do to try to slow the spread of this virus.
ReplyDeleteWhether it works or not, it is something we can do.
But, lie about a medical condition? That's the type of behavior that makes people mock Christians.
I think it was understood that you should only say you have a medical condition if you really do.
ReplyDeleteYou're telling us to lie about our health?
ReplyDelete"16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue," Proverbs 16
You're telling us to lie about our physical health?
ReplyDelete"16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, "Proverbs 6
According to OSHA regulations, when oxygen levels dip below 19%, it is dangerous to one’s health. Many people have done tests on a variety of masks, and within seconds of covering one’s face, o2 dips to around 17%. All mask wearing is not good for you! They are not even proven effective, and since our EYES are still exposed, that leaves an entry point anyway. FURTHERMORE, anxiety, PTSD, claustrophobia, asthma, heart issues and a host of psychological and physical health issues fit the exemption clauses.... per HIPPHA, you don’t even have to explain yourself, and the Americans with Disabilities Act forbids any store, etc to refuse service - or face a $75,000 potential fine for discrimination. Just saying. It’s NOT about lying, it’s about protecting your health and civil liberties.
DeleteIf your 02 dropped to 17% or even 19% you'd be long dead. Good grief. Masks do NOT inhibit oxygen. If they did, how would healthcare providers manage to work for hours on end wearing a mask without dropping like flies? Please research (or maybe just think), THEN comment.
DeleteThe arrogance of the "Christians" commenting on your comments are hilarious. "I would never lie!" What a bunch of liars.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to word this kindly, per your instructions. You identify as a Christian. But I'm having a difficult time reconciling the love Christians are directed to show with the selfish disregard for others displayed in this post. Masks are to protect others, especially those most vulnerable: the elderly. People with health conditions. Pregnant women. Etc. At the time this was written, hundreds of people were dying from Covid every day. The situation has only gotten worse. Wearing a mask to protect each other in public is one of the most important things we can do. I'm wondering if your thoughts on this have changed?
ReplyDeleteDid i miss the Blogger responding to comments? Doesn’t Jesus tell us that what we do to the least among us we do to him? I thought wearing a mask was an outward sign of love and respect for my fellow man.
ReplyDelete