Costco joins Walmart and other businesses in announcing that customers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will not need to wear masks inside their stores, unless there is a local or state mandate prohibiting it.
In a statement, Costco President Craig Jelinek said Friday that the policy change on face masks will be effective May 14.
Masks will continue to be mandatory in areas related to medical care, such as pharmacies, opticians and hearing aids.
“We will not require proof of vaccination, but request the responsible and respectful cooperation of members with this revised policy,” the company said.
Similarly, Trader Joe’s reported that masks will not be required for customers who are fully vaccinated.
“We encourage customers to follow the guidance of health officials, including, as appropriate, CDC guidelines advising customers who are fully vaccinated not to wear masks while shopping,” they said in the ad.
Although the government indicated that it is not necessary for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear a mask, not everyone is comfortable not wearing it.
Although there is no official announcement yet, CVS said it is “re-evaluating” its policy on face masks at its pharmacies.
“The safety of our employees and customers will continue to guide our decision-making process,” they mentioned.
A person is considered fully vaccinated within two weeks of receiving the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
The president celebrated that the CDC indicated that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to wear masks. Look at the video.