Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s dropping mask mandate

Last week’s guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The change allows people to stop wearing masks outdoors and in crowds, even in most indoor settings as long as they have been fully inoculated.

But the changed guidance doesn’t necessarily pertain to every setting. There was some confusion following the announcement as to whether the guidance from the CDC would immediately go into effect and whether it meant anyone could suddenly walk into a grocery store, restaurant or other business without a mask. And questions remain over whether people will have to prove their vaccination status.

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont said the unvaccinated (children included) should continue wearing masks indoors and that businesses can choose whether to require mask-wearing. But where allowable, people who have been fully vaccinated can stop wearing masks indoors beginning May 19, per the governor’s orders.

“Indoor masking will still be required for the unvaccinated for a little while longer,” Lamont said. “I think that’s the right thing to do.”

Below is a look at businesses that have decided those who have been vaccinated no longer need to wear masks. Please note, just because the corporate office has issued guidance, it does not mean every individual place of business has changed its operations.

Walmart

The world’s largest retailer said Friday it will no longer require vaccinated shoppers and workers to wear a mask in its stores, unless prohibited state or local laws. The retailer said customers will be held to an “honor system” and workers will have to continue answering a daily health assessment. The company is also offering a $75 bonus to employees who get fully vaccinated.

Costco

The wholesale store said in a letter to members Friday that it would no longer require mask-wearing at its U.S. locations, unless required by state or local rules. Similarly, shoppers and staff are required to have been fully vaccinated, although no proof is required. Face coverings, however, will be required in “health care settings, including Pharmacy, Optical, Hearing Aid.”

“We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy,” the company wrote.

Trader Joe’s

The grocery retailer is another among the first chains to not require mask usage, unless required by state or local government. Proof of vaccination will not be required at the store. Unlike some others, employees are required to continue wearing masks.

Still deciding

Numerous Connecticut restaurants are still undecided and seeking more guidance. Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association which represents thousands of businesses in the state, told the Associated Press Friday many owners are asking how the rule will work in practice. Some, he said, voiced concern about having to determine whether customers are actually vaccinated for COVID-19.

“That puts a lot of worry on the restaurants. They're like, ‘okay, now I have to deal with the honor system, hoping that that person that told me they’re totally vaccinated, walking around’ (is fully vaccinated),” Dolch said.

Nationally, CVS and Target both said they are evaluating their policies in accordance with the latest CDC guidance, but no change had been made as of Saturday.

Continue wearing

At least one well-known retailer in the area is telling shoppers and workers to continue wearing masks for the time being. Stew Leonard’s, the grocery retailer with stores in Norwalk, Danbury and Newington, as well as New York and New Jersey, said Friday shoppers will continue to have to wear masks, even after May 19.

“Stew Leonard’s was among the first leaders to ask our customers and team members to wear masks last year, but now we are going to be laggers,” Stew Leonard Jr., the chain’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Stop & Shop is another major grocery chain that has said “there are no changes” to the company’s mask mandate “at this time.”