Target, Walmart, BJ's, Costco: VA Stores End Masks For Vaccinated

VIRGINIA — Shoppers and retailers in Virginia are considering changes to face mask usage after the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the governor's office. Some stores around Virginia have begun to amend their policies as coronavirus cases decline and immunizations increase.

Walmart and Target are among major chains in Virginia 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 last 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 Virginia effective May 15 under an order issued by Gov. Ralph Northam. The mask mandate was adjusted to reflect CDC's guidance that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or physically distance in any indoor and outdoor setting, except when required by federal, state or local laws and regulations, the governor's office said.

"It's very simple. It's either a shot or a mask," Northam said Friday in a statement. "It's up to you. If you're not vaccinated yet, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask in public. If you haven't gotten your shot, there is no reason to wait. It will keep the people around you safer, especially children or people who cannot be vaccinated."

SEE ALSO: VA Mask Mandate, Other Restrictions To Be Lifted By Governor

For some stores, precautions remain in place despite the go-ahead from federal health officials. Retailers such as Walgreens, Home Depot, Macy's and Kroger 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.

These stores have dropped their mask requirements, according to multiple reports:

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

These stores and companies are still requiring masks, according to a USA Today report:

• Safeway
• Giant
• Harris Teeter
• Whole Foods
• Walgreens
• Apple
• Home Depot
• Macy's
• Uber
• Lyft

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

The CDC said April 13 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. Masks should still be worn on public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings, according to the CDC.

The new order on face coverings in Virginia took effect Saturday. Additionally, the governor said Friday that all capacity and social distancing COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on Friday, May 28.

A vaccination event called “It’s Our Shot, Virginia: Statewide Day of Action” will take place Tuesday to help residents make a plan to get vaccinated.

To participate in the day of action, Virginians are invited to get their shot and help others make a plan to get vaccinated. The state also wants residents to help fight misinformation about the vaccine by sharing information in their communities. The Virginia Department of Health has put together a mythbusters toolkit that residents can download.

As of Wednesday, 51.5 percent of Virginians have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 40.6 percent of residents are fully vaccinated, according to the VDH.

Virginians can find vaccine appointments or more information at vaccinate.virginia.gov, or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA.