In an effort to reduce and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 when buying groceries, Kenmore city manager Rob Karlinsey has signed a proclamation and issuance of an emergency rule temporarily suspending Kenmore’s plastic bag policy.

According to a press release suspending the policy allows grocery and retail stores to provide paper or plastic bags to customers and waives the required $0.05 charge for the bags. The rule also prohibits customers from bringing their own reusable bags from home.

This rule seeks to provide greater protection to workers in retail and food industries, who continue to provide services to the public, while reducing the risk of transmission in the community, the release states.

The temporary suspension of the plastic bag policy will be in effect until April 30, with the discretion to extend for additional periods of time based on public health necessity.