US Retail Giant Mask Mandates Revisited Amidst Delta Variant Surge
Over two-thirds of U.S. counties are now under new mask guidelines, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responding to the growing spread of the Delta variant and decreasing vaccination rates in many regions. This mask mandate has put businesses through their paces since the start of the pandemic, causing disagreements between mask-wearers and those who oppose the mandates, especially frontline employees committed to enforcing safety protocols. Larger chains initially relaxed their mask requirements based on previous CDC guidelines, but now once again have stricter policies. Let's take a look at leading U.S. chains' updated mask mandates.
Walmart
Walmart employees will be required to wear masks in high- and medium-risk areas, as well as in counties with mask mandates issued by local or state authorities. Walmart does not require masks from customers in high-risk areas, but they will display CDC guidelines and encouragement to wear masks, aiming to influence customers to comply.
Target
Target strongly encourages employees to wear masks and similarly recommends that all customers wear masks in high- and medium-risk areas. Target maintains compliance with local and state mask mandates and closely monitors CDC guidelines.
Costco
Costco recommends that all members and guests wear masks in high- and medium-risk areas, but does not enforce this policy may not require mask use. Home Depot
Home Depot enforces mask usage for all employees in all stores, regardless of the prevailing infection risk or vaccination status. The company will continue to require masks for customers as well, provisioning masks for those who don't bring their own.
Kroger
Kroger strongly encourages employees and customers to wear masks, but does not enforce a strict mask policy. The company is committed to complying with every local and state mask mandate in addition to encouraging vaccinations for all Americans.
McDonald's
McDonald's enforces mask usage for customers and employees in regions with high and medium COVID-19 transmission rates. This amendment to their guidelines aligns with CDC guidelines.
Starbucks
Starbucks recommends that customers and employees wear masks in high- and medium-risk areas, while also adhering to any local and state mask mandates. Starbucks is known for enforcing mask policies and encourages daily health screenings to ensure shop safety.
Additional insights
- The CDC revised its guidelines regarding N95 masks since COVID-19 outbreaks. Suggestions for using N95 masks wherein surgical masks were previously sufficient could render protection less effective against airborne pathogens.
- Despite increasing mandates, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revised consumer law to tackle deceptive mask marketing matters. In early 2025, the FTC refunded 6,764 customers who purchased misleading face masks, with some industries reportedly taking advantage of the pandemic.
- CDC has consistently emphasized the importance of wearing well-fitting masks, especially indoors, to prevent COVID-19 transmission. The organization recommends common-sense measures like improving indoor air quality, proper hand hygiene, and keeping physical distance between individuals.
- Medical professionals have expressed concern about potential weakening of protections in healthcare settings. Ensuring robust mask policies is crucial to protect patients and healthcare providers.
As you can see, retail chains in the U.S. are now increasingly focused on mask wearing, especially in light of the Delta variant spread. Complying with these policies is crucial to protect consumers and employees, both from COVID-19 and the more mundane cold and flu season.
Reference(s):
[1] FTC Provides Full Refunds to Consumers for Allegedly Deceptively Marketed Face Masks
[2] N95 mask in regions with low transmission rates equivalent to surgical mask
[5] CDC general advice on preventing spread of COVID-19
