FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/20/21
Contact: Bertha Rodriguez, Bertha.Rodriguez@ufcw770.org, (213) 453-6276

UFCW 770 Supports Ventura County Mask Mandate

New Mask Order Helps protect Essential Workers and Customers

CAMARILLO, CA – With the rising number of Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations across California, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 770 applauds a new health order in Ventura County requiring people, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear masks indoors in public settings. The new mandate was announced today by the Public Health officer Dr. Robert Levin. The new order helps protect essential grocery and drug retail workers as well as the customers they serve.

For a year and a half, UFCW essential workers have been on the frontlines of the pandemic risking their lives and their families’ health as they help customers secure food and medications.

“I thank the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Dr. Robert Levin for taking a step forward in helping protect essential workers like myself,” said Edward Rafeedy, who works at a Ralphs store in Oxnard.

“My wife and I both work in grocery, and we both are terrified of going to work every day. Every time I see someone unmasked, I am afraid they are going to get me or my wife sick.”

The mask mandate passed today shows that the county cares about the wellbeing of working families and the community and has the full support of UFCW Local 770.