Gov. Baker prohibits reusable shopping bags during coronavirus emergency Part of new public health order regarding grocery stores and pharmacies Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Hide Transcript Show Transcript

MARY: THESE RULES INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM STANDING A SAFE DISTANCE APART IN THE CHECK-OUT LINE TO NO REUSABLE BAGS. IT’S ONE OF THE FEW PLACES TO WHICH WE CAN VENTURE OUT, BUT NOW, THE GOVERNOR IS LAYING DOWN SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR GROCERY STORES, SAYING THEY MUST PUT IN PLACE SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES, OFFER HAND SANITIZER AND WIPES TO CUSTOMERS, PROVIDE SHOPPING HOURS FOR PEOPLE 60 AND OLDER, BAN RE-USABLE SHOPPING BAGS FOR NOW, AND NOT CHARGE PEOPLE FOR PLASTIC OR PAPER BAGS. >> THIS ORDER ALSO INSTRUCTS STORE EMPLOYEES TO STAY HOME IF THEY ARE NOT FEELING WELL AND REQUEST THAT STORES ACCOMMODATE EMPLOYEES WHO FALL INTO THE HIGH RISK POPULATIONS O TO DO AN ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT WITH LESS EXPOSURE. MARY: STORES LIKE STOP AND SHOP HAVE ALREADY BEEN RAMPING UP SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. PUTTING IN PLEXIGLASS BETWEEN CASHIERS AND CUSTOMERS, REMINDING PEOPLE TO KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. MEANWHILE, THE FIRST REAL SHIPMENTS OF PAPER PRODUCTS ARE SHOWING UP IN STORES, AT THE MARKETBASKET IN LITTLETON, AT THE STOP AND SHOP IN FOXBORO. >> THEY HAVE IT HERE. MARY: HOW SURPRISED WERE YOU? >> EXTREMELY. >> I’VE BEEN DRIVING AROUND TRYING TO FIND IT BECAUSE NO ONE HAS IT, SO IT’S LIKE THE JACKPOT HERE. THERE WAS A BUNCH OF ROLLS. IT’S GOOD. MARY: STILL HARD TO COME BY -- HAND SANITIZER AND ANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES. ONE LOCAL COMPANY UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGE OF MEETING THE SUDDEN SKYROCKETING DEMAND FOR CERTAIN GOODS. LITTLE LEAF FARMS IN DEVENS IS THE LARGEST BRAND OF LETTUCE SOLD IN NEW ENGLAND. >> OUR FOOD SERVICES BUSINESS BASICALLY DROPPED OFF SO WE WERE ABLE TO HANDLE SOME INCREASED DEMAND, BUT THIS IS JUST CRAZY. MARY: BUT THERE IS A REAL RUSH TO RESTOCK AND PEOPLE ARE TELLING US THEY ARE GETTING THINGS ONTO THE SHELVES. JUST KEEP LOOKING, THEY ARE COMING. AGAIN, NO MORE REUSABLE BAGS, BUT THE BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS HAVE BEEN LIFTED. ALL OF THESE RULES APPLY T

SIGN UP FOR BREAKING NEWS Get local stories sent straight to your inbox as news breaks. Submit Privacy Notice