Target joined a growing list of major retailers on Monday announcing that fully vaccinated guests and staff can go maskless in stores following new federal guidelines last week that vaccinated people can ditch face coverings.
“Target will no longer require fully vaccinated guests and team members to wear face coverings in our stores, except where it’s required by local ordinances,” the company announced Monday. “Face coverings will continue to be strongly recommended for guests and team members who are not fully vaccinated.”
MANY STATES AND CITIES ARE WARY OF LIFTING MASK MANDATES DESPITE CDC BLESSING
Other major retail chains announced they would lift mask requirements in stores over the weekend after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines Thursday that gave fully vaccinated people the green light to ditch masks. Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Publix were among the first companies to update mask requirements for guests and staff over the weekend. However, some states and local governments have not lifted masking requirements, and people will still have to wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status.
Though stores maintain that only fully vaccinated people should be allowed to drop the mask guidance, they will have no way to know which customers are vaccinated and which are not.
Other retailers, such as CVS and Walgreens, have kept their masking requirements intact for now but will review their company policies following the CDC guidance.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Target will continue to enforce other coronavirus mitigation measures, such as intensive cleaning procedures and social distancing throughout the stores. The chain is also offering vaccine appointments at nearly all CVS pharmacies located in Target stores. Hourly workers are also permitted to take paid time off when it’s time for them to get the shots and will be given the option to take a free Lyft ride sponsored by the company to vaccine locations.
The abrupt updated mask guidelines from the CDC sparked debate last week about whether the move was too short notice and a bid to benefit the Biden administration politically. To date, more than 56% of U.S. residents 12 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine. The CDC gave the final approval last week to administer Pfizer’s two-shot vaccine to children ages 12 to 15. It had previously been authorized for use in adults 16 and older. Nearly 60% of all U.S. adults have received at least one dose, while about 47% have been fully vaccinated.
