Kroger Will No Longer Require Masks For Vaccinated Shoppers

MICHIGAN — Kroger stores in Michigan will not require fully vaccinated shoppers and most fully vaccinated employees to wear face coverings beginning on Thursday, the retailer announced Wednesday.

Non-vaccinated associates will still be required to wear a mask, the store said in a news release. The retailer said in a statement that it is requesting non-vaccinated customers to continue wearing face coverings.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Kroger Family of Companies’ most urgent priority has been the safety of our associates and customers," officials said in a news release. "We have adhered to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our Chief
Medical Officer Dr. Marc Watkins and listened to our associates and customers to guide our policies.

"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. 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."

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The CDC on Thursday eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Michigan announced its updated order allowing fully vaccinate people to stop wearing masks would take effect Saturday.

Under the updated MDHHS Gatherings and Mask Order, Michiganders who are outside will no longer need to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated Michiganders will no longer need to wear a mask inside, but residents who are not vaccinated, or have not completed their vaccinations, must continue to wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and others, according to Michigan's order regarding masks.

Michigan reported 1,560 new cases of the coronavirus and added 31 additional COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, according to the most recent data released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Read More: Meijer To No Longer Require Masks For Fully Vaccinated Shoppers

The updated figures bring the state's coronavirus totals to 879,685 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 18,741 deaths being attributed to the coronavirus, according to state data.