Some retail stores end mask requirements for vaccinated customers
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Hy-Vee dropped its mask requirement for fully-vaccinated customers Tuesday, joining other major retailers like Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, CVS, and Schnucks.
Hy-Vee's updated mask policy started Tuesday for customers and employees.
"Face coverings, however, continue to be strongly recommended for customers who are not fully vaccinated and are still required by the company for employees who are not fully vaccinated," said a statement from Hy-Vee.
Customers who live in areas that have state or local mask requirements may still have to wear them regardless of vaccination status. Columbia's health order expired on May 12.
Stores updated their policies after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new mask guidelines Thursday. The CDC says that fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, even in crowded spaces.
Hy-Vee will keep plexiglass barriers at all checkout stations, pharmacy counters, and customer service counters. Social distancing signage will remain in place where lines tend to form. Extra hand sanitizer and cart wipes will also continue to be stationed throughout stores.
Some stores are less relaxed with restrictions. Home Depot and Walgreens are still requiring masks. Steve Salazar, spokesman for Lowe's said the stores will be begin not requiring masks for vaccinated customers on Wednesday.
Privately-owned businesses can still require masks. There are also exceptions when the CDC recommends masks, like in health care settings and on public transportation.
Justin Riley, manager at The Rally House in Downtown Columbia, said the store is not requiring masks for customers. Workers, however, will still be masked because of the close proximity they work with customers.
Riley said although there is no guarantee that all unmasked customers are vaccinated, it is up to the public to decide what level of safety they are comfortable with.
Justine Bowes, manager at Maude Vintage Clothing said the store is also requiring employees to wear masks, but it is up to customers to make the decision to mask or not.
