Walmart, Target, Other Major Retailers Now Require Masks

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Giant retailers, including Walmart, Target and Kroger are now requiring masks as delta variant surges.
• Most of these businesses had dropped masks requirements in May, in accordance with the CDC guidelines.
• The CDC reversed its mask guidance last week, recommending that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings.

Several major retailers are back to requiring masks due to the surge in the COVID-19 Delta variant and updated mask guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many businesses had dropped masks requirements in May.

The CDC reversed its indoor policy last week and recommended that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings.

In a statement last week, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said, “The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit [the] virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones.”

Target

Target said in a statement that it will require face coverings for its staff and strongly recommend face coverings for all guests in areas with a substantial or high risk of transmission, starting August 2.

Walmart

Walmart said it will continue to follow the latest CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, effective immediately, according to a statement.

The company added it will implement a new process for verification of vaccine status for U.S. associates and will share more specific details about this process in the near future.

Kroger

The supermarket chain said in a statement it had received feedback from and heard the valued opinions of thousands of associates regarding the CDC’s announcement last week.

“In light of the Delta variant and updated CDC recommendations, we strongly encourage all individuals, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask when in our stores and facilities. We will continue to abide by all state and local mandates and encourage all Americans to get vaccinated, including our associates,” the company added.

Home Depot

Home Depot said in a statement that “beginning August 2, we’ll ask customers to wear masks while in our stores and continue to offer masks to those who don’t have one.”

Kohl’s

Effective Tuesday, August 3, Kohl’s will require its store associates in counties with substantial or high risk of transmission, as identified by the CDC, to wear masks while inside the store, according to a statement.

Publix

The supermarket chain said it would recommend people in areas of substantial- or high-transmission risk wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status, effective August 2.

Apple

Apple has restored a mask requirement at most of its U.S. retail stores for both customers and staff.

“Starting July 29, face masks will be required in store for customers and team members — even if they’re vaccinated.” 

All of these retailers strongly encourage all associates to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Source: AOL