Some businesses will be requiring masks. Others will not. That will be the new norm for at least the next few weeks, particularly in Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine has lifted the state's mask mandate for vaccinated Ohioans, effective immediately. All of the state's health orders will be lifted on June 2, clearing the way for unvaccinated individuals to also shed the mask. But it's important to clarify that even when mandates are lifted, some retailers may keep them in place. "I'm still going to wear my mask. I'm fully vaccinated," said Jessica Chapman, who was shopping at Walmart Friday evening. "I don't see a point to stop wearing them until everybody is vaccinated or over 80 percent is vaccinated."Lifting these health orders will not prevent a business from imposing its own requirements, DeWine has said. Businesses and schools across the state are permitted to make their own decisions on the best way to keep customers, employees and students safe, state guidance reads. Below is a list of major area retailers who have announced updates on their masking policy. We will update this story as more announcements are made.KROGER: Masks still required "The Kroger Family of Companies continues to require everyone in our stores to wear masks.""We appreciate Gov. DeWine’s thoughtful approach to distancing and mask restrictions that acknowledge businesses' need for continued flexibility to implement safety protocols."TRADER JOES: Not needed for vaccinated"We encourage customers to follow the guidance of health officials, including, as appropriate, CDC guidelines that advise customers who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks while shopping."WALMART: Not needed for vaccinated"Beginning (May 14), vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask, and we will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs. We will update the signage in our facilities to reflect this."TARGET: Masks still required"Target will continue to require all of our coronavirus safety measures in all stores, including masks and social distancing, while we review guidance from the CDC and evaluate the guidance we offer our team and guests."MEIJER: Masks still required"To help ensure the continued health and safety of its team members and customers, Meijer will continue to require face coverings be worn by anyone entering a Meijer store or Meijer Express station at all of our locations throughout the Midwest. While customers who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing face coverings are exempt, we ask for your continued support as we work through these unprecedented times."JUNGLE JIM'S: Masks still required "Per Governor DeWine’s mandate, everyone must wear a mask while in our Fairfield & Eastgate location until further notice. We also ask that all guests follow the CDC recommended guidelines and remember to leave 6 ft between you and other guests while shopping. If you chose to shop in a group, please keep your group close together."HOME DEPOT: Masks still required"We haven't made any changes to our mask policy"Their website reads all stores are requiring associates and customers to wear non-medical face masks in storesALDI: Masks still required"The health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities we serve will always be our highest priority. With that focus in mind, face coverings are required to enter all ALDI stores."WHOLE FOODS: Masks still required"Whole Foods Market requires all customers to wear face coverings while shopping in our stores to protect the health and safety of our Team Members and communities. Whole Foods Market provides face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face covering." COSTCO: Not needed for vaccinated in U.S. locations where there are no state or local mask mandates"We will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield," in those areas, the company said in a message posted to its website Friday. "Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield."
Some businesses will be requiring masks. Others will not.
That will be the new norm for at least the next few weeks, particularly in Ohio.
Gov. Mike DeWine has lifted the state's mask mandate for vaccinated Ohioans, effective immediately. All of the state's health orders will be lifted on June 2, clearing the way for unvaccinated individuals to also shed the mask.
But it's important to clarify that even when mandates are lifted, some retailers may keep them in place.
"I'm still going to wear my mask. I'm fully vaccinated," said Jessica Chapman, who was shopping at Walmart Friday evening. "I don't see a point to stop wearing them until everybody is vaccinated or over 80 percent is vaccinated."
Lifting these health orders will not prevent a business from imposing its own requirements, DeWine has said. Businesses and schools across the state are permitted to make their own decisions on the best way to keep customers, employees and students safe, state guidance reads.
Below is a list of major area retailers who have announced updates on their masking policy. We will update this story as more announcements are made.
KROGER: Masks still required
"The Kroger Family of Companies continues to require everyone in our stores to wear masks."
"We appreciate Gov. DeWine’s thoughtful approach to distancing and mask restrictions that acknowledge businesses' need for continued flexibility to implement safety protocols."
TRADER JOES: Not needed for vaccinated
"We encourage customers to follow the guidance of health officials, including, as appropriate, CDC guidelines that advise customers who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks while shopping."
WALMART: Not needed for vaccinated
"Beginning (May 14), vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask, and we will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs. We will update the signage in our facilities to reflect this."
TARGET: Masks still required
"Target will continue to require all of our coronavirus safety measures in all stores, including masks and social distancing, while we review guidance from the CDC and evaluate the guidance we offer our team and guests."
MEIJER: Masks still required
"To help ensure the continued health and safety of its team members and customers, Meijer will continue to require face coverings be worn by anyone entering a Meijer store or Meijer Express station at all of our locations throughout the Midwest. While customers who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing face coverings are exempt, we ask for your continued support as we work through these unprecedented times."
JUNGLE JIM'S: Masks still required
"Per Governor DeWine’s mandate, everyone must wear a mask while in our Fairfield & Eastgate location until further notice. We also ask that all guests follow the CDC recommended guidelines and remember to leave 6 ft between you and other guests while shopping. If you chose to shop in a group, please keep your group close together."
HOME DEPOT: Masks still required
"We haven't made any changes to our mask policy"
Their website reads all stores are requiring associates and customers to wear non-medical face masks in stores
ALDI: Masks still required
"The health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities we serve will always be our highest priority. With that focus in mind, face coverings are required to enter all ALDI stores."
WHOLE FOODS: Masks still required
"Whole Foods Market requires all customers to wear face coverings while shopping in our stores to protect the health and safety of our Team Members and communities. Whole Foods Market provides face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face covering."
COSTCO: Not needed for vaccinated in U.S. locations where there are no state or local mask mandates
"We will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield," in those areas, the company said in a message posted to its website Friday. "Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield."
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