Pink notes of support are on the door at Abyssinia Market following an attack on the owner who asked a customer to wear a mask.
Pink notes of support adorn the door of the Abyssinia Market in Old Town this week, after an incident over a mask made the owner feel unsafe.
The cafe has had a rough year. A GoFundMe started in January of this year, after equipment failures and the loss of a business partner made business difficult. That GoFundMe has seen new life in recent days, with people donating to the owner after she was attacked. From the two waves of giving, the campaign has raised more than $15,500 of a $20,000 goal.
According to ALXNow, Abyssinia Market owner Lily Damtew said Sunday started off well, but “Right after they left, another guy came in not wearing a mask,” said Damtew, who was wearing a mask and face shield at the time. “I told him that we have a sign on the door saying ‘Please wear a mask’ but he said, ‘No, I don’t have to wear a mask.'”
The man then flew into a rage, verbally attacked Damtew and vandalizing the market, which is at 720 Jefferson St.
In addition to support notes left on the market's front door, supportive comments are appearing on the GoFundMe page. "I'm so sorry for what you've experienced. I'm ashamed of what people think is acceptable behavior. I wish I could contribute more, but I hope this little bit helps," one woman wrote.
Damtew plans to reopen soon and is strongly considering pressing charges against her attacker.
Earlier this summer, Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order requiring people to wear a mask when they are inside any public place. However, some local business customers are refusing to wear a mask indoors and attacking business owners and employees who request it.
This is not an isolated incident. Alexandria area residents have reported attacks and harassment at other businesses as well, and some businesses are choosing not to enforce the executive order due to concerns about harassment. Across the country, retail workers have been attacked and even killed over by customers who refuse to wear a mask.
Last week, the Alexandria Health Dept. provided some guidance for customers regarding the face mask requirement, including phrases to use if a business owner or employee is not wearing a face mask.
"If an employee of a business in a customer-facing role is not wearing a face covering, ask the employee or the manager if they will wear one. You may wish to say, 'I would feel safer if you/your employee would wear a face covering' or 'There is a requirement that customer-facing employees wear face coverings – will you please comply with that requirement?'"
In addition, customers may consider reporting violations on Virginia Department of Health’s online complaint form or by calling the Alexandria Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline at 703-746-4988 weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There is little guidance for business owners, however, in dealing with customers who refuse to wear a mask properly. Many businesses are posting signs and some are starting to refuse service to people who won't wear masks.
Photos provided by Diane Greenbaum, owner of Kidcreate Studio next door to the market.
