I am writing this today to make something very clear. IF YOU COME INTO THE SHOP, YOU MUST PROPERLY WEAR A MASK. If you do not properly wear a mask, meaning covering nose and mouth, we will be unable to provide in-person service.
“But I have an exemption!” you say. This is where the direct threat portion of reasonable accommodation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) comes into play. To quote the ADA:
“ยง 36.208 Direct threat.
“(a) This part does not require a public accommodation to permit an individual to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations of that public accommodation when that individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
“(b) In determining whether an individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, a public accommodation must make an individualized assessment, based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical knowledge or on the best available objective evidence, to ascertain: The nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures or the provision of auxiliary aids or services will mitigate the risk.”
When you come in without a mask, you are a direct threat not only to me as a shop owner (or any other employee), you are a direct threat to any other customer present at the time. I do not know, and have no right to know, if you have COVID-19. Therefore, the assumption is that you do, and measures need to be taken to protect myself and others.
“So how can I shop?” This is simple! Just send us an email at stringtheoryyarnshop@gmail.com with what you are looking for and we will be happy to do personal shopping for you. Once you’ve chosen your items and paid, we can either ship product to you or deliver within a reasonable radius (approx. 10 miles).
We hope this helps and makes clear our stance on mask mandates.
String Theory Yarn Shop 