Stores Like Target and Aldi Will Still Require Masks in Places Where Mandates Are Lifted

Texas lifted its mask mandate this week against the advice of federal health officials, but some companies with locations in the state noted they will not change their current policies of requiring masks in all of their stores, according to several outlets.

For example, a Target spokesperson told Insider that the company will still require customers in all of its stores to wear a mask while shopping, and will continue to provide reusable and disposable masks to its staff.

“Those who have been vaccinated for coronavirus are still required to wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines, in line with current CDC guidance,” the spokesperson said.

Macy’s said the same, telling Reuters it would still be requiring all staff and customers to wear a mask in all of its locations. Kroger said it would also be keeping its policy in place “until all our frontline grocery associates can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” according to Insider.

Aldi told CBS News it will not be adjusting its policy either: “We are aware of the mask mandate lifts in both Texas and Mississippi where we have store locations. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we have been following CDC guidelines, and we do not plan to make any adjustments to our safety measures at this time.”

Austin’s KXAN identified additional businesses that will be keeping their mask policies in place in the state as well. Costco confirmed to the station that it will still require staff and customers to wear them to avoid any confusion. Walmart confirmed its policy will stay in place for the same reason.

H-E-B will still require employees to wear masks but are now “strongly encouraging” customers to continue to wear masks, and won’t require them to do so. Texas chain Randalls will also not require face masks for customers but will require them for employees, according to KXAN.

Texas is not the only state to lift its mask mandates: Iowa, Mississippi, Montana and North Dakota have all reversed mask mandates imposed during the pandemic. However, 35 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, currently have mask rules in effect for those in public, according to Reuters.

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