WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay in response to President Biden’s first executive order that calls on Americans to wear masks for 100 days and requires their use on federal property in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19.
“As the first industry group to call for nationwide mask wearing, NRF appreciates the executive action today by the Biden Administration that calls for a 100-day mask-wearing challenge, including the requirement that masks be worn on federal property and on airlines, trains and transit systems that travel between states. This is an important development as we turn the page on how we message and engage in the fight against the pandemic. Masks are medically proven to reduce transmission of the virus and help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Retailers welcome efforts by federal, state and municipal governments to work collaboratively to protect the health and safety of the employees, customers and communities they serve. While vaccinations must be the priority, we need to pursue sensible, proven measures that slow the spread of this deadly disease in order to keep businesses open, Americans working and the economy growing.”
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. NRF.com