Publix grocery, CVS pharmacy, and Target are among the list of large retailers that will begin requiring masks upon entering the building as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United States.
CVS Pharmacy will begin to require masks starting Monday, July 20th.
“Since the pandemic began, we’ve done everything we can to keep people safe and healthy. This includes requiring that store employees wear face coverings and encouraging our customers to do so as well. In any community with state or local laws mandating the use of face coverings, we’ve made that very clear through signage and other reminders.
“With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we’re joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20. To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer. What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”
Target’s mask requirement is set to begin August 1st. Target also states that shoppers who do not have masks, stores will provide disposable masks at store entrances. Target officials say the mask policy will “exclude those with underlying medical conditions and young children.” Target will mimic Walmart in stationing employees at store entrances to “remind shoppers to wear masks and provide disposable ones if needed.” Target will display signage, run reminders on store audio systems and “encourage no-contact shopping options.” Currently, more than 80% of Target stores in the U.S. already have mask requirement policies in place, due to other state mask mandates.
Publix Grocery will also be putting mask requirement policy into place beginning July 21st. “Beginning July 21, customers are required to use face coverings over their noses and mouths while inside any Publix store. This new mandate is encouraged by the CDC for most individuals. Thank you for doing your part to limit the spread of COVID-19,” state Publix officials. “The CDC also recommends we keep our distance to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Publix has put into place new measures to help our customers maintain social distancing with other customers and our associates. Our aisles are now one-way to reduce your chances of passing another shopper. We’ve marked off 6-foot increments at checkout. And finally, our managers have discretion to limit the number of shoppers in the store at one time. There is one more thing you can do to help: Please shop alone, if you can. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding to help us all achieve the important goal of social distancing.”
