Retailers recommending, some requiring, wearing masks for those even vaccinated
Masks are back.
Cases of COVID-19 related to the delta variant are on the rise and national retailers on Friday announced they are taking steps to protect employees and stop the spread of the virus.
More:Michigan now has 54 known cases of delta COVID-19 variant. What that means
More:Ascension Health latest health care system to require COVID-19 vaccines for employees
More:Whitmer: No new state mask rule expected despite updated CDC guidance
Walmart is requiring indoor mask-wearing based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new guidelines.
“We will continue to follow the latest CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, effective immediately,” according to a Walmart news release.
On Tuesday, the CDC issued revised guidelines saying to wear a mask indoors, even if vaccinated, to protect yourself and possibly spread it to others, especially in areas of high transmission.
The delta variant is a mutation of the coronavirus that originated in India. It’s the most contagious variant in the pandemic. It is more contagious than viruses such as Ebola and in terms of spreading is like chicken pox.
Vaccinations do have good protection from hospitalization and death but breakthrough cases are happening across the country. Even people who are vaccinated people can spread the disease, according to new data released from the CDC last week.
The agency also said wearing a mask is important for those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, at risk for severe illness, in vulnerable households or are unvaccinated.
Speaking in Detroit on Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she did not expect the state to issue a mask mandate or any other new COVID-19 pandemic orders.
Walmart will continue to pay associates in stores, clubs, transportation offices, distribution centers and fulfillment centers to receive the vaccine.
In addition, Walmart said they are doubling the amount it pays associates to $150 from $75 to get the vaccine. They will also continue to give associates two hours of paid time off to get the vaccine.
The retailer will also pay the additional $75 to those previously vaccinated, according to the news release. Walmart’s vaccine incentive program will remain in place until Oct. 4, 2021.
The Kroger Cmpany is “strongly encouraging” all individuals, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask when in their stores and facilities. Kroger’s current guidelines require unvaccinated employees to wear a mask and request that customers also do so.
The Cincinnati-based grocery store giant dropped its mask-wearing policy for fully vaccinated customers and employees in May.
Meijer, according to a company spokesman, is encouraging its team members and customers to wear face coverings whether they are vaccinated or not.
Costco locations will follow the face mask regulations of the applicable state and local jurisdictions according to its website. More recently, Costco ended its special hours for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems.
Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Sue Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: 313-222-6872 or sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Staff writer Kristin Jordan Shamus contributed to this report.
Support local journalism and become a digital subscriber to the Free Press.
Powered by WPeMatico