Fully vaccinated people no longer face mandate

NEW YORK — More retailers dropping mask requirements for customers and employees if they’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

CVS Pharmacy said that, consistent with the latest CDC guidance, customers who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face coverings inside its stores, unless it is mandated by state or local regulations. Customers who are not fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing face coverings, and employees are required to do so while at work.

Target also said Monday that its stores “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. Face coverings will continue to be strongly recommended for guests and team members who are not fully vaccinated and we’ll continue our increased safety and cleaning measures, including social distancing, throughout our stores.”

Hy-Vee on Tuesday said it would no longer require fully vaccinated customers and employees to wear face coverings in its stores, except where it’s required by local ordinances. Face coverings would still be strongly recommended for Hy-Vee customers who are not fully vaccinated and are still required by the company for employees who are not fully vaccinated, the retailer said.

Hy-Vee said it will continue to implement the extra safety and sanitization procedures that have been in place since COVID-19 first began. Hy-Vee will also maintain its Plexiglas barriers all manned check stands, self-checkout stations, pharmacy counters, customer service counters and convenience store checkouts. In addition, social distancing signage will remain in place where lines tend to form (checkout lanes, deli/meat/bakery counters, etc.) and extra hand sanitizer/cart wipes will remain stationed throughout stores.

Walmart, Costco and Trader Joe’s also said they would stop requiring face coverings in states without a mask mandate last week.