Michigan Mask Mandate: Not All Businesses Easing Restrictions

LANSING, MI — Michigan's mask mandate is gone for fully vaccinated residents. But Michiganders might want to hit the pause button on tossing away their face coverings as some retailers across the state are still enforcing mask requirements.

Meijer and Kroger are among Michigan grocery retailers that will continue to require masks. In statements to ClickOnDetroit, both grocery chains said they were thinking about health in maintaining their mask requirements.

“While we are aware of new CDC guidance, many state or local orders in the Meijer footprint remain in effect regarding masks," a Meijer spokesperson told the news outlet recently. "In order to help ensure the continued health and safety of all its team members and customers, Meijer continues to require face coverings by anyone entering a Meijer store or Meijer Express station at all locations, except where medical conditions prevent them from wearing one.”

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Kroger took things a step further, telling the television station it would incentivize associate vaccinations by offering a $100 one-time payment.

"As we have throughout the pandemic, we are reviewing current safety practices, the CDC’s latest guidance, and soliciting feedback from associates to guide the next phase of our policy," a Kroger spokesperson told the station.

Related: Michigan Lifts Mask Requirement For Fully Vaccinated Residents

As of midday Saturday, CVS, Home Depot and Target made the list of businesses continuing to require face coverings.

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.

While some chains haven't eased restrictions, many have. A growing list that includes Walmart, Sam's Club and Costco will allow patrons to shop without a mask.

Michigan Tax Deadline

Monday is Michigan's tax deadline, a much later date than normal given the Michigan Department of Treasury's decision to push back the deadline from April.

The change allowed the state to conform with the federal government’s decision to extend the deadline for federal income tax filing this year.

Here Comes the Heat

Here's a look ahead at this week's forecast from the National Weather Service, which promises to bring heat and humidity for much of Michigan:

• Monday - Mostly sunny during the day and clear at night
• Tuesday - Mostly sunny during the day, cloudy with a chance for showers at night
• Wednesday - A chance of showers during the day and cloudy at night
• Thursday - Partly sunny during the day and cloudy at night