No Masks For The Vaccinated? These Retailers Say They Will Still Require Them

Though the CDC announced on Thursday new mask guidelines for fully vaccinated Americans, which no longer requires them to wear coverings indoors, some retailers have come out and said they will continue to uphold a face mask requirement in their stores.

The CDC said in its new guidelines that fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a face mask indoors or outdoors or continue to maintain physical distance. Those that are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are still recommended to wear face coverings when indoors and outdoors by the CDC.

But several retailers have decided to keep a mask mandate in place despite the easing of the requirement for both customers and their employees. Here’s where fully vaccinated people will still need to wear a face mask.

CVS

CVS’ face mask policy is currently under review, which the company told Business Insider in a statement, saying that “The safety of our employees and customers will continue to guide our decision-making process.”

CVS gives the COVID shot at its pharmacies located across the nation.

Gap

Gap told The New York Times that it was reviewing its face mask requirement and had not made a decision on whether or not it would change its policy.

Dollar General

Dollar General last updated its face mask mandate on March 10, according to its website. The retailer has not made any changes to its mask policy to date.

Home Depot

It was also unclear if Home Depot would change its face mask policy in light of the new CDC guidelines. A company spokesperson told Business Insider that it had not made any changes to its policy currently.

Kroger

The face mask mandate at Kroger grocery stores will continue to remain in place for customers and employees.

In a statement to Business Insider, a Kroger spokesperson said: “As we have throughout the pandemic, we are reviewing current safety practices, the CDC's latest guidance, and soliciting feedback from associates to guide the next phase of our policy.”

Kroger operates nearly 3,000 stores, where it also provides the COVID vaccine at its pharmacies.

Macy’s

Macy’s also told Business Insider that will continue to keep its face mask policy at all of its stores.

Publix

Publix told Business Insider that it is “awaiting additional guidance before implementing potential changes” to its mask policy.

Publix also provides the COVID vaccine at its pharmacies.

Starbucks

Starbucks told CNN that it will continue to require customers and employees to wear face masks while inside its cafes.

Starbucks was an early adopter of face masks at the height of the pandemic.

Target

Target told WCCO, a CBS affiliate out of Minneapolis, that it will continue to require customers to wear face masks and social distance while it reevaluates the guidance from the CDC. All other coronavirus requirements will also continue to be in place at its stores for the time being.

Target provides the COVID vaccine at its stores through CVS Pharmacies.

Walmart

It was unclear at the time of writing if Walmart would continue to require customers to wear face masks at its stores. The company told Business Insider that it was “reevaluating” its policy. Walmart was one of the first retailers to implement a face mask requirement at all of its stores nationwide.

Walmart offers the COVID vaccines at stores nationwide through its pharmacies.

Walgreens

Walgreens told CNN it was reviewing its mask requirement after the announcement by the CDC.

The retailer also administers the COVID vaccine at its pharmacies.

Ulta

Ulta is reviewing the CDC guidelines and told Business Insider it is “assessing the implications” of the recommendations from the agency. The company has not made a final decision on whether or not to ease back its face mask requirement as of yet.