Target, Walmart, CVS, Costco: MD Stores End Masks For Vaccinated

Updated 3:30 p.m. May 19

MARYLAND — More retailers in Maryland are changing their face mask policies after the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the governor's office. Some stores around Maryland have dropped masking requirements this week as coronavirus cases decline and immunizations increase.

Walmart, CVS and Target are among major chains in Maryland that have dropped their requirement that customers wear face masks. BJ's Wholesale Club, Starbucks, Costco, Sam's Club, and Trader Joe's will also no longer require masks inside stores. Initially, Target and Walmart had been among numerous establishments in a holding pattern after last week's announcements.

"Face coverings will continue to be strongly recommended for guests and team members who are not fully vaccinated and we'll continue our increased safety and cleaning measures, including social distancing, throughout our stores," a spokesperson for Target told Patch.

"Vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask, and we will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs," Walmart said in a news release. "We will update the signage in our facilities to reflect this."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday it was rescinding almost all its recommended coronavirus mitigation rules for how vaccinated people should behave indoors.

The indoor mask mandate was lifted in Maryland effective May 15, according to Gov. Larry Hogan. However, the city of Baltimore has not ended its mask requirement.

"You should feel free to safely resume any activities without wearing a mask indoors or outdoors," Hogan said at a news conference Friday. Businesses and workplaces are "obviously free to set their own policies with respect to masking, and we support their ability to do so."

For others, precautions remain in place despite the go-ahead from federal health officials. Retailers including Walgreens, Macy's, Home Depot, and more have kept mask restrictions in place.

Websites for Harris Teeter, Wegmans, and Aldi grocery stores didn't note any change in face mask requirements as of Monday afternoon.

Masks no longer required at (except where local laws mandate them), according to multiple reports:

• BJ's Wholesale Club
• Costco
• Kroger
• Sam's Club
• Sprouts
• Starbucks
• Target
• Trader Joe's
• Walmart
• CVS

Masks still required for now at:

• Albertsons
• Aldi
• Apple
• Giant Eagle
• Harris Teeter
• Home Depot
• Macy's
• Meijer
• Simon Property Group malls
• Walgreens
• Whole Foods
• Uber
• Lyft

Many other chains haven't said yet if they're making a change.

Related: Masks In Maryland: 'No More Restrictions,' Governor Says

The CDC said Thursday that people who have been fully vaccinated can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by local ordinance or law.

Public transportation, health care settings and schools are the only areas where masks will be required, in accordance with CDC guidance, Hogan said.

The new order on face coverings in Maryland took effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 15.
All businesses in Maryland are now able to open at 100 percent capacity as of Saturday, Hogan said, ending COVID-19 restrictions that have been in effect for over a year.

"There's no more restrictions in place," Hogan said. Maryland will still be operating under a state of emergency to enable the government to use the National Guard in its vaccination efforts.

While the mask mandate as lifted Saturday for all people in Maryland, the governor said businesses and venues can make their own decisions on requirements.

And the city of Baltimore continues to require everyone age 5 and older to wear a face covering if they are on a school bus or public transportation, houses of worship, stores, restaurants, casinos, gyms, sports venues and other locations.

Related: Baltimore Keeps Mask Mandate Intact Despite State Lifting It

"For anyone who has not yet been vaccinated, masks are still strongly recommended in most situations," Hogan said. "If you have been vaccinated, you have no reason to wear a mask because you're already set."

Those who still need to get the shot can search for COVID-19 vaccine providers in Maryland.