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facial coverings. As a result, I will not be patronizing that store for the foreseeable future <br /> and emailed the company politely to let them know why. But this should not be my only <br /> recourse. <br /> I am an avid fan and supporter ofLakewood's small local businesses. I do not want to have <br /> to avoid patronizing them to feel safer. Despite the Governor's optimism, I do not believe that <br /> most people will follow the strong recommendation to wear a facial covering. Certainly <br /> those who do not have their reasons. I can accept that some people have conditions that will <br /> make it very dcult for them to tolerate having their noses and mouths covered, even for a <br /> short time. Others may believe that being required to wear a covering infringes on their <br /> personal freedom. Although I believe that individual rights have to be tempered with respect <br /> for the common good and the welfare of others, I do not want to debate this issue. What we <br /> need are common sense solutions that meet the needs of individuals and preserve our unique <br /> Lakewood character and our precious local businesses, without potentially sacrificing the <br /> health of employees as well as residents of our densely populated city, <br /> I would like to propose the following idea for your consideration, as a springboard for your <br /> further discussion as you collaborate to problem-solve: <br /> Could Lakewood can enact its own ordinance requiring facial coverings in locally-owned <br /> and operated retail businesses within its boundaries, with caveats such as the ones I am <br /> listing below? <br /> . The final business hour or two could be devoted to customers who cannot or will not wear <br /> facial coverings. This would mirror having the earliest business hour(s) devoted to higher- <br /> risk shoppers. Naturally the cap on the number of customers allowed inside at one time <br /> would have to be maintained, in addition to the physical distancing requirement. <br /> . Appointments could be scheduled for shoppers without facial coverings on certain days or <br /> at certain times. <br /> . Employees could opt-in to work during the time periods where customers don't wear facial <br /> coverings if they were lower-risk, or, perhaps businesses would be willing to pay a <br /> moderately increased hourly rate for the last hour, in addition to providing Plexiglas shields, <br /> facial coverings and sanitizes for their staff. <br /> . A business might continue to offer online ordering with scheduled curbside pick-up for <br /> customers who do not wear facial coverings. Scheduling the pick up would be a necessity if <br /> the business location was unable to accommodate cars waiting on Detroit or Madison, for <br /> example. <br /> . Businesses could post their options on their websites, social media and hard copy in their <br /> storefronts. <br /> I do hope that some version of an ordinance requiring facial coverings can be passed to <br /> protect our residents and businesses alike. I,for one, will not enter a business unless facial <br /> coverings are required for targeted hours, at the very least. I do not want to place our <br /> businesses at risk, but I do not want my health or that of my family at risk either. There <br /> should not have to be a trade-off. <br /> In closing, I will paraphrase the grim reminder I saw posted recently: "Just because we are <br /> reopening it doesn't mean that the virus went away. It just means that the hospitals now <br />