Target, CVS among big chains to continue requiring masks in states that lifted mandates

Several national chain retailers will keep their mask mandates in place despite governors in Mississippi and Texas lifting the states’ requirements, CBS News reported.

Kroger, Target and Walgreens all announced they will keep their mask requirements, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“There is no change at this time to the company mask mandate policy or any current safety protocols that are in place in our stores or any work locations to protect our customers and team members. We are following current CDC and [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] guidelines regarding safety protocols,” a spokesperson for Walgreens told CBS.

CVS Health, meanwhile, told the network that “if a customer is not wearing a mask or face covering, we will refer them to our signage and ask that they help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

“For safety reasons, our employees are directed to avoid escalated confrontations with noncompliant customers and to instead help them complete their purchases as quickly as possible,” the pharmacy chain added.

Kroger, meanwhile, told the network it “will continue to require everyone in our stores across the country to wear masks until all our frontline grocery associates can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Target also told the network it will continue to enforce its mask policy for all but young children and people with medical conditions precluding masks, adding that it maintains no-contact options such as online shopping for people who prefer not to wear masks in store.

Aldi, meanwhile, told CBS that “since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we have been following CDC guidelines, and we do not plan to make any adjustments to our safety measures at this time.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced this week he would lift all restrictions and mask mandates in the state, while Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said the state was “getting out of the business of telling people what they can and can’t do.”