As state governments mull the issue of mandating face masks in public, numerous tire and auto service businesses have already taken the initiative to require customers to wear masks inside their establishments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that "cloth face coverings provide source control — that is, they help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others. The main protection individuals gain from masking occurs when others in their communities also wear face coverings."
So far, 30 states have instituted mandates on citizens to wear face masks in public places to curb the spread of COVID-19.
But many tire businesses already have been encouraging their customers and employees to wear masks during the pandemic.
TBC Corp., the parent company of 410 NTB Tire & Service Centers and 190 Tire Kingdom stores, began requiring customers to wear face masks July 23.
TBC said the requirement is an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The company mandate does not extend to its Big O Tire network of stores, which are operated by franchisees.
Dunn Tire L.L.C., which operates 26 stores in New York and Pennsylvania, has been requiring customers and its employees to wear masks inside its stores.
Monro Inc., which operates more than 700 tire retail stores nationwide under the Monro Auto Service & Tire Centers, Mr. Tire Auto Service Centers and numerous other banners, "encourages" customers to wear face masks and requires them in states where it is mandated.
Walmart Inc. began requiring customers to wear face masks at its more than 5,000 stores and Sam's Clubs beginning July 20.
Meanwhile, the SEMA Show and AAPEX 2020 events are still slated to draw thousands of people to Las Vegas the week of Nov. 2.
Both shows said they will require attendees and exhibitors to wear face masks. Masks will be provided to those who do not have one, organizers said.
While many trade shows have shifted to a virtual format this year, the SEMA Show, scheduled Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and AAPEX, slated for Nov. 3-5 at the Sands Expo and Caesars Forum Conference Center, are so far continuing with their plans for in-person events.
Nevada is among the 30 states requiring citizens to wear face masks when in public places.
The other states include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.