Washington, D.C.—TheNatural Products Association (NPA)announced that it is calling for health food stores selling nutritional supplements to remain open during the government’s response to the coronavirus COVID-19.  In a press release, NPA pointed out that health food stores offer many essential products, including, water, electrolytes, nutritional supplements, healthy food options, as well as other health-related products such as hand sanitizer.
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NPA launched a grassroots campaign urging lawmakers to keep health food stores open as state, local, and national governments respond to the pandemic. NPA’s grassroots campaign can be accessed here, with information to email or tweet lawmakers. The call to action notes that states and territories have begun to order the closure of most businesses for an indefinite period except for supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants offering carryout or delivery, medical equipment stores, gas stations, and banks. In times of a health crisis, NPA said, local small businesses that sell natural products are relied upon by their communities.



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“It is imperative that essential businesses such as health-food stores that provide nutritional supplements and other health and wellness products remain open for business,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA.  “Local businesses are an essential resource for Americans in times like these, especially people at risk, who need access to neighborhood stores. Communities need these stores open and we are asking lawmakers to lift any order as it relates to health food stores.”