'Aggressive' man calls cops on teen Coles worker for not wearing gloves during coronavirus pandemic
Barely a month into her new job at a Manly Coles, 16-year-old Hayley Evans says she was confronted by a man three times her age, angry the teen wasn't wearing gloves.
"He started to raise his voice at me and got aggressive," she said.
Hayley explained to the man she used hand sanitizer – but he called police nonetheless, leaving Hayley "nervous and scared".
Hayley Evans, 16, said a customer called the police because she was not wearing gloves. 9News
The government's hygiene practices for supermarkets suggest washing hands regularly, or using hand sanitizer, offers staff and customers better protection than gloves.
Experts say gloves can easily transfer germs between surfaces.
Coles chief operations manager Matt Swindells said masks and gloves were "starting to become like toilet paper".
Retail workers are advised to use handwash and soap, not gloves. 9News
"Everyone begins to want them, but I'm not sure people really understand the science behind why," he said.
Hayley's mum Kate shared the teenager's story on Facebook, and other parents revealed their teens had also been abused during their supermarket shifts.
"I've been quite saddened about the amount of people who have come to me with similar experiences," Kate said.
Social distancing is in effect for supermarket customers. 9News
"I was just horrified anyone could be so aggressive towards a teenager."
Coles has stepped up its security, ensuring a guard is at every story to protect staff.
"I think you should just treat everyone with respect, with the situation we are in," Hayley said.
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