San Fransisco has reversed its plastic bag ban and will instead put a ban on reusable bags and totes in an effort to prevent the CCP virus from spreading further.
In an order issued on March 31, the San Fransisco Department of Public Health said people are not allowed to bring their reusable items, such as bags, totes, and mugs, to stores under a measure aimed at preventing “unnecessary contact.”
Also under that measure includes prohibiting people from accessing to self-serve food items. Lids from food bars will be provided by staff and individuals aren’t allowed to grab them for themselves. Bulk food items, such as bins or containers, are also under the same restriction.
The order is expected to last until end of day on May 3, unless it is lifted or extended by officials as they continue to monitor the situation in the city, the order said.
It comes after a 13-year ban on plastic bags in San Fransisco, as the city was one of the first United States cities to ban the use of plastic shopping bags back in 2007, according to the Hill.
Other states have also moved to implement similar tactics in an effort to slow the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus. Some stores, including Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee have also stopped accepting reusable items, according to the Washington Times.
In New Hampshire, Gov. Chris Sununu issued an executive order prohibiting the use of reusable bags. Instead, stores are instructed to use new paper or plastic bags.
“With identified community transmission, it is important that shoppers keep their reusable bags at home given the potential risk to baggers, grocers, and customers,” Sununu said.
California reported 14,225 confirmed cases of the CCP Virus with 568 confirmed cases in San Fransisco. A total of 325 have die in the state, with 8 of those deaths in San Fransisco, according to the Johns Hopkins University resource center.