In new guidance issued Wednesday, Kroger announced it will allow fully vaccinated customers and "most fully vaccinated" employees to no longer wear masks in facilities, including stores, distribution centers, plants and offices unless otherwise required by state or local jurisdictions.
Non-vaccinated employees and customers will still be required to wear a mask, the Cincinnati-based supermarket giant said. The new guidelines start Thursday.
In addition, Kroger will offer employees a one-time $100 payment for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
More:Behind Kroger's Cincinnati plastic bag flap
Beyond Kroger, the retailer operates retail chains in 35 states, including Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Ralphs, Mariano's, Fry's, Smith's, King Soopers, QFC and others.
Kroger joins a growing number of grocery stores and retailers who have relaxed mask guidelines for fully vaccinated customers and employees, including Target, Walmart, Costco and Trader Joe's.
More:Some Cincinnati grocery stores are lifting mask requirements. Here's what we know.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed COVID-19 guidelines May 13, recommending that fully vaccinated individuals can safely stop wearing masks inside most locations.
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