Target has dropped its mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, joining with Walmart, Trader Joe's, Starbucks, Costco and other businesses.
Target's updated mask policy starts Monday for customers and employees, but the retailer still strongly recommends unvaccinated customers and employees wear masks. And customers who live in areas that have state or local mask requirements may still have to wear them – regardless of vaccination status.
CVS also updated its policy Monday and said on its website that customers were "no longer required to wear face coverings inside of our stores, unless it is mandated by state or local regulations."
Target said in a statement Monday that it "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."
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new masking guidelines Thursday and said that fully vaccinated Americans, for the most part, no longer need to wear masks indoors and don’t have to wear masks outdoors, even in crowded spaces.
"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," Target said.
Target started requiring masks at stores nationwide Aug. 1, which was later than most retailers.
But when initially announcing the mask requirement on July 16, Target said more than 80% of Target's stores already required face coverings due to local and state regulations.
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CVS started requiring masks at stores nationwide on July 20.
"Customers who are not fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing face coverings, and employees are required to do so while at work," CVS said in its statement. "Health, safety and science will continue to drive our decision-making process."
Privately-owned businesses can still require masks, which most of the nation's largest retailers started mandating last summer. There are other exceptions for when the CDC recommends masks such as in health care settings, transportation hubs such as airports and stations, planes and public transportation.
Target currently has a vaccine incentive to help encourage more customers and employees to get the vaccine. It is offering a $5 Target coupon for those who get a COVID-19 vaccination at a CVS location in a Target store.
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Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko
