Are there legal implications for a chain grocery store not following coronavirus safety guidelines?

[Mrs. Overall]

I was dismayed to walk into my local IGA store (Kitsap Peninsula) and find that they are not following any safety regulations. There was no sanitizing wipes for carts, the clerks had no masks, no plexiglass at the checkout, people stocking shelves had no masks and were talking back and forth, no tape in the checkout lanes to assure that customers are standing six feet apart. Many of the customers didn't have masks on either.

The atmosphere in the store was as if there was nothing unusual going on and business as usual. This seems not only highly irresponsible in terms of the safety of the customers, but also for their workers' health and safety.

Are the guidelines for grocery stores (even chain stores) completely optional in WA State? I'm tempted to report them, but not sure how to do this or if it is even appropriate.

[Merlot]

3. Clickbait that doesn't address the posters concern?

[Eliot Rosewater]

2. I am not a lawyer, but what you are describing is classic "negligence'"

If the grocery store owner knows there is a four foot deep two foot wide hole in the floor on aisle 9 where the canned goods are and does nothing to fix it, injuries occurring once it can be proved the owner became aware, are subject to "negligence."

Until the store owner is aware an issue exists, much harder to sue for negligence.

Do ALL businesses in America KNOW the virus is a risk and can cause health issues? Yes, it will be assumed at this point they all know.

So, hopefully said stores can and will be sued. I used grocery store just for an example.

If you are asking about CRIMINAL OR LEGAL enforcement, that is different...but CIVIL lawsuits will happen if they ignore the recommended guidelines, count on it.

[Shrike47]

4. No injury unless you get CV. Then, how do you prove you got it at IGA?

[Eliot Rosewater]

5. That would be the hard part, for sure.