Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has lifted local bans on grocery stores distributing plastic bags as part of an effort to combat coronavirus fears.
The public health order lifts local bans on plastic bags at grocery stores and pharmacies and puts a temporary ban on reusable bags. The move is intended to lessen the spread of the coronavirus, and stores are prohibited from charging customers for plastic and paper bags, according to local news outlet WWLP.
Baker’s order requires grocery stores and pharmacies to have at least one hour a day reserved for residents over 60 years of age and mandates customers stand 6 feet apart in checkout lines.
The move comes only hours after Boston’s mayor issued a temporary executive order allowing plastic bags in businesses deemed essential such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants.
“During this challenging time, we understand the retail establishments our residents rely on — like grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants — need added flexibility to best serve their customers,” Democratic Mayor Martin J. Walsh said in a statement. “We are adjusting Boston’s plastic bag ordinance to give establishments and residents the help they need during this time.”
Almost 500,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed across the globe, and over 22,000 people have died, while almost 120,000 have recovered.
