Several US stores lift mask-wearing mandate [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Several US stores have lifted their mask-wearing policies following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Customers and workers will no longer be required to wear face masks unless mandated by state or local laws.
• Fully-vaccinated Americans can now roam around without face masks, per CDC.

Following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to wear face masks wherever they are, several business establishments have heeded the advisory.

In their respective announcements, Walmart, Costco and Starbucks said that masks will no longer be required for customers, per CDC’s new notice.

In a released letter Friday, Walmart wrote that “vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask.” Unvaccinated people, however, will be asked to wear one.

The company also said that fully-vaccinated employees will be permitted to work mask-less by May 18, but noted that “masks will also continue to be required by some city and state ordinances, and we will follow those requirements.”

At Costco, fully-vaccinated shoppers can roam the store without face masks provided that it won’t coincide with state or federal laws mandating the wearing of masks. In the retailer’s pharmacy and other healthcare facilities, though, customers will still be required to wear face masks.

“We will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy,” the company said in a release on their website.

In the same manner, Publix also announced that fully-vaccinated employees and shoppers will no longer be asked to wear face masks beginning Saturday.

“As a result of the recently updated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, Publix will no longer require fully vaccinated associates or customers to wear face coverings, unless required by a state or local order or ordinance, beginning May 15,” per the company’s statement.

On the other hand, Starbucks would continue to require its workers to wear face masks, while allowing fully-vaccinated customers to go mask-less as long as there is no existing mask-wearing policy in that particular location.

“As we continue to ensure the health and well-being of our partners and customers, our restrooms generally remain temporarily closed to the public in stores where the café or café seating is unavailable,” the company added.

At Trader Joe, COVID-19 protocols will remain in place, such as social distancing and daily wellness diagnosis for its workers. Fully-vaccinated shoppers will no longer be required to wear face masks.

“We encourage customers to follow the guidance of health officials, including, as appropriate, CDC guidelines that advise customers who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks while shopping,” per the company’s website advisory.

The CDC released the federal guidelines on Thursday, stating that fully-vaccinated people can now be freed from wearing face masks.

Source: PEOPLE.com