Update: 5/14/2021
Videos by Wide Open Country
On May 13, 2021, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks indoors or outdoors. The announcement shocked many, as we've been wearing masks in grocery stores for over a year now. While the CDC has relaxed guidelines for vaccinated people, private businesses still have the opportunity to place their own mask policies (as we saw at the beginning of the pandemic).
Surprisingly, one of the first grocers updating its mask policy is Trader Joe's. According to a press release, the grocer is no longer requiring masks for vaccinated customers.
The original article from 8/16/2020 continues below:
The Coronavirus pandemic has been running rampant since the beginning of 2020. Just today over 63,000 new cases have been reported. In total, the US has confirmed 3.5 million cases and over 138,000 deaths. And it's only getting worse. Some states have mandated face coverings and masks to help slow the spread but with the national government (especially President Trump and Vice President Pence running around without facial coverings) continually questioning the CDC mask requirements, it's no wonder that national chains had to take things into their own hands and have started requiring masks.
Do Face Masks Work Against COVID-19?
At the beginning of the pandemic, health officials were unsure how the virus spread and if a cloth face covering would help slow the spread. Once health officials confirmed wearing a mask could help slow the spread, the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended wearing face coverings in public. According to the CDC, "COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of cloth face coverings is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain." All you have to do is wear a cloth on your face and you can help keep your neighbors safe. It couldn't be easier.
That being said, there are also many Americans who are against the mask. In fact, some of these no-maskers have resorted to violence. Most recently an unmasked man in a Florida Walmart threatened to kill a masked shopper by pulling out a handgun. Be respectful and wear a mask or stay home and take advantage of online shopping. It's that simple.
All the National Chains Requiring Masks to Enter
This is the current list of retailers that are mandating masks to enter. In states where there is no government mandate, these major retailers are part of the solution.
Target
Target's policy will go into effect Aug. 1, requiring everyone except those with medical conditions and children under two. Target will also be handing out disposable masks for those that come to the store without one.
CVS
News | With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we're joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20. #COVID19
