Costco, Trader Joe's, And More Stores Are Updating Their Mask Policies Following CDC Updates
The Centers for Disease Control recently announced updated COVID-19 safety regulations for individuals who have been fully vaccinated and grocery stores are following suit. Updates to safety guidelines included the announcement that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, so some stores like Costco are changing their safety regulations to reflect that.
It's important to note that masks will still be required for all customers at these stores in areas that have local or state laws that make masks necessary. In other areas, though, shoppers that are fully vaccinated are allowed to go into stores without a mask or face covering.
Costco was one of the first stores to update their policy, posting on their website that: "In Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate, we will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy." There are also plans to bring back in-store samples and food court dining.
Many stores are putting the responsibility on shoppers to be truthful about if they are vaccinated or not. Grocery retailers like Trader Joe's, Sam's Club, and Walmart have all updated their mask policies similarly. No matter the location, masks are still needed in healthcare settings like pharmacies, optical centers, and hearing aid centers inside of these stores.
In areas where local regulations require masks, stores are continuing to enforce masks for all shoppers. It's likely that as local mask mandates change, retailers will continue following the lead. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of the vaccine. You can read up on the CDC's adjusted guidelines here.
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