Truckstop mask mandates start today for Pilot Travel Centers, others start requiring masks tomorrow
The largest U.S. truckstop chain is requiring all customers to wear masks starting today in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Pilot Travel Centers, which has more than 780 fueling stops throughout the United States will require all customers, whether they like it or not, to wear a mask when conducting business in the stores. Loves and Travel Centers of America (TA) truck stops also have mandates which will go into effect on Wednesday.
“In many parts of the country, we are seeing a growth in the number of cases, so we expect that more states, cities and counties will mandate masks,” said National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) President and CEO Lisa Mullings in a press release urging it’s members to require the masks.
“While we understand that there is disagreement about whether to mask, we are urging members to follow the advice of medical experts, including the CDC. We have a patriotic duty to guard the health of our employees and customers and believe this is an easy way to get the U.S. economy moving during this unprecedented global pandemic.”
NATSO also urged associations representing the trucking industry, including the American Trucking Associations, to encourage all professional drivers to wear masks.
“It’s time once again for our industry to lead and show our country how to get the job done. This pandemic is a crisis not of our making, but overcoming it requires each of us doing our individual part,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Masking is the simplest and most effective way to defeat this virus, and ATA strongly encourages all fleets to adhere to mask requirements in private truckstops and public rest areas.”
