Publix, CVS, Target join other major retailers in requiring masks in US stores

Publix, CVS and Target will require customers to wear masks in their stores across the United States as the retail industry moves to enforce mask mandates to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“We’re joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings,” CVS tweeted Thursday. The policy goes into effect Monday.

Target said in a statement it would start requiring masks or face coverings starting Aug. 1 in all stores. “This builds on the more than 80% of our stores that already require guests to wear face coverings due to local and state regulations,” it said.

Target said it would provide disposable masks at entrances to customers who don’t have one.

Publix will require face coverings beginning July 21. The grocer said that signs announcing the new requirement will be posted at store entrances, and in-store announcements will be made. The requirement will not apply to young children and those with medical conditions who are not able to wear face coverings.

The announcements came a day after Walmart, Kroger and Kohl’s said that masks would be mandatory in all their stores, and the National Retail Federation, the main lobbying group for the industry, called on retailers to require masks for customers. Best Buy announced Tuesday that it will require customers to wear masks.

These companies’ measures go beyond US federal mandates on COVID-19 safety. Although no federal mandate to wear a mask exists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone “should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public.” The CDC said that “face coverings are meant to protect other people.”

Most major retailers and grocers have hesitated to enact their own mask mandates for customers during the pandemic, partly over fears of antagonizing shoppers who refuse to wear them. Retailers have said they are reluctant to put their employees in the position of enforcing mask requirements.

The ground has shifted for retailers in recent weeks as the pandemic’s toll has gone up. More than 3 million people have now tested positive for coronavirus nationwide and more than 135,000 have died.

Cases are climbing in much of the country, and many cities and states are reimposing restrictions to contain new outbreaks, including mask requirements in public settings.

With these mandates come customers who aren’t exactly happy with the new rules. Some of the retailers suggest those who don’t want to wear a mask should take advantage of their drive-up services or online shopping.

However, the policy changes could still lead to some customers taking their business elsewhere.

Retailer mask mandates

Costco
– In effect: May 4
– Exception for people under 2 and with a health condition

Starbucks
– In effect: July 14
– No mask? Curbside pickup, delivery, drive-thru available

Best Buy
– In effect: July 15
– Face coverings will be provided for customers who don’t have one, and small children and customers unable to wear a mask for health reasons can shop without one.
– Curbside pickup is available

Walmart and Sam’s club
– In effect: July 20
– Signs and staff at front doors reminding people to put on face covering
– Trained health ambassadors will be stationed in stores to remind people of the rule
– Sam’ s Club will provide complimentary masks if the member doesn’t have one

CVS
– In effect: July 20
– Employees will not enforce but will ask customers to follow rule

Lowe’s
– In effect: July 20
– Free masks will be available at the customer service desk of every store for customers who need them

Publix
– In effect: July 21
– Signs at front and in-store announcements to remind shoppers of the rule
– Does not apply to children and people with health conditions, who are encouraged to use curbside pickup/delivery

Kohl’s
– In effect: July 21
– No mask? Drive-up service or kohls.com
– Does not apply to people with a health condition

HOME DEPOT
– In effect: July 22
– Small children or those who have a valid medical condition will not be required to wear a mask.

Target
– In effect: Aug. 1
– Does not apply to those with underlying medical conditions and young children
– Stores will provide disposable masks
– There will be signage and audio reminders within the stores