Fry's Food Stores Owner, Kroger, Ending Mask Requirement

PHOENIX, AZ — National grocery store chain Kroger, which owns Arizona's Fry's Food Stores, announced it will end its in-store mask requirement on Thursday.

Kroger's decision comes a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's announcement, centered around the fact that most Americans don't need to wear masks, indoors and outdoors, if they're fully vaccinated and don't live or work in a correctional or detention facility, a homeless shelter, are traveling on a plane, or are around someone who has COVID-19, the center said.

Kroger said that, in light of the CDC's announcement, all fully vaccinated customers and associates no longer need the face in all Kroger-owned stores, distribution centers, plants and offices.

RELATED: Several AZ Stores Drop Mask Requirement For Vaccinated Customers

Kroger joins other national store chains, like Target, Costco and CVS, in ending its mask requirements.

"Last week, the CDC issued new guidance for individuals who have been fully

vaccinated. We have received feedback from and heard the valued opinions of
thousands of associates regarding the CDC’s announcement," Kroger's statement reads. "Based on the CDC’s science-based guidance and the input of our associates, we are updating our mask policy in a way that balances our values of safety and respect.

Additionally, Kroger will pay all associates a one-time, $100 bonus for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information on Kroger's mask policy update, visit the company's website.