Publix has announced that it will begin requiring all store emplyees to wear face coverings beginning on Monday, April 20.

The Lakeland-based grocery store chain said it will also start allowing them to wear gloves, as long as they can continue to safely perform their job duties.

Publix says it will provide face coverings for all of its associates and plastic gloves for customer service and pharmacy associates "until supplies are depleted." If that happens, they will be required to provide their own face covering, and customer service and pharmacy associates will be allowed to use their own gloves.

Publix said the new policy is a response to the Centers for Disease Control's updating its guidance. The CDC recommends wearing any type of face covering in public to help slow the spread of coronavirus.