The CDC announced on Thursday that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks indoors, signaling a huge step forward in the COVID-19 pandemic for the United States.
However, local and state governments, as well as private businesses, are free to create their own safety protocols, leaving many to wonder if they will be able to remove their masks indoors in their communities.
According to Insider, not all companies are ready to say goodbye to indoor masking just yet. Here’s where some of the biggest retailers and restaurants in the United States stand.
CVS
Customers and employees are currently required to wear masks in their stores, but the chain is in the process of reviewing its policies, stating that “the safety of our employees and customers will continue to guide our decision-making process.”
A shopper at Costco wears a face maskPaul Kane/Getty Images
Costco
The last update on the chain’s website from April 16 states that “members and guests must wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times.” Audacy reached out for comment from the company regarding the CDC’s latest guidelines but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Dollar General
According to the chain’s website, which shows its latest COVID-19 protocol update as being from March 10, customers and employees are currently required to wear masks in their stores.
Gap
Customers and employees are currently required to wear masks in their stores, but the chain is in the process of reviewing its policies.
A customer wears a face mask in the appliance department at a Home Depot storeJoe Raedle/Getty Images
Home Depot
Customers and employees are still required to wear masks in their stores, as the company has not updated its mask policy yet.
Kroger
Customers and employees are still required to wear masks in their stores. “As we have throughout the pandemic, we are reviewing current safety practices, the CDC's latest guidance, and soliciting feedback from associates to guide the next phase of our policy,” said the grocery store chain.
Shoppers wear face masks at Macy'sScott Heins/Getty Images
Macy’s
Customers and employees will still be required to wear masks in their stores.
McDonald’s
According to the chain’s website, its restaurant teams “are wearing masks or face coverings, and gloves, and making masks available for customers in municipalities where they are required.” Audacy reached out for comment from the company regarding the CDC’s latest guidelines but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Customers wear face masks in a Target storeScott Olson/Getty Images
Target
Customers and employees are currently required to wear masks in their stores, but the chain is in the process of reviewing its policies given the new guidelines from the CDC.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe’s has emerged as one of the first retailers to announce that it is updating its policy following the CDC announcement. "We encourage customers to follow the guidance of health officials, including, as appropriate, CDC guidelines that advise customers who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks while shopping," said the grocery store chain.
Starbucks employees wear a mask while working the drive-thru windowMatthew Stockman/Getty Images
Starbucks
Customers and employees will still be required to wear masks in their stores.
Ulta
Customers and employees are currently required to wear masks and social distance in their stores, though the chain is “assessing the implications” of the newest guidelines issued by the CDC.
A customer wearing a face mask exits a Walgreens pharmacyCliff Hawkins/Getty Images
Walgreens
Customers and employees are currently required to wear masks in their stores, but the chain is currently reviewing its rules.
Walmart
Customers and employees are currently required to wear masks and observe social distancing in their stores, but the chain is currently “reevaluating” its position.
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