Target Follows Walmart on Tighter Mask Rules Amid Delta Cases' Spike

Target became the latest major retailer to institute new masking rules in response to the surge in delta variant COVID-19 cases, saying Monday that employees in high-risk areas will be required to mask up beginning Tuesday.

Based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Target will require face coverings for employees and “strongly recommend face coverings for all guests in areas with substantial or high risk of transmission, as defined by the CDC,” it said. On Monday, the CDC counted 1,923 U.S. counties (59.7%) as having a high level of community transmission; 605 (18.8%) were listed as “substantial.”

Target stopped short of issuing a vaccine requirement for employees, saying, “We encourage our team members and guests to get the COVID-19 vaccine by offering vaccine appointments at nearly all CVS at Target locations and providing paid time and free Lyft rides to team members when they get their vaccines.” The retailer will continue to follow all local mandates, along with CDC guidance, and maintain health and safety cleaning protocols and social distancing measures, it said.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announced on Friday additional steps the retailer is taking based on the uptick in delta variant cases. That included a vaccine stipulation, requiring all market, regional and divisional associates who work in multiple facilities and all campus office associates to be vaccinated by Oct. 4, unless they have an approved exception. The requirement also applies to new hires.

McMillon’s memo followed a Friday companywide dispatch to U.S. store associates, saying the retailer “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.” As of Monday, that was 78.5% of the country, 15.9 points higher than the previous Monday.

In areas with state or local mask mandates, said the memo from Donna Morris, chief people officer, and Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, health and wellness, Walmart associates will be required to wear masks inside company facilities, including stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers, and campus offices. “You’ll note the entire state of Arkansas is currently included,” they said. Though vaccines have been available for months, “unfortunately, because so many people have chosen not to receive it, we’ve left ourselves more vulnerable to variants," said the executives. "The Delta variant is a mutation of the original COVID-19 virus and is much more aggressive and transmissible. It is important that necessary steps are taken to keep ourselves and our communities safe.”

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer continues to watch “with deep concern the developments of the pandemic and the spread of variants, especially the Delta variant,” said the executives. “We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change. We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated,” they said, while acknowledging “a small number of our associates who cannot get vaccinated due to medical issues or religious reasons.”

Walmart doubled the incentive to $150 for store and fulfillment center employees to get vaccinated, as part of an effort “to make the decision to get vaccinated as easy as possible.” Associates who already received the $75 incentive will receive another $75 in their Aug. 19 paychecks. The incentive program runs through Oct. 4.

Free vaccines are available at 5,100 Walmart and Sam’s club locations, they said. Employees can be vaccinated while on the clock and receive two hours of paid time off whether they get the shots at Walmart pharmacies or elsewhere. The company is providing up to three days paid leave for any adverse reactions to the vaccine.

Walmart will implement a new process for verification of vaccine status subject to local legal requirements. “This will aid us in following CDC guidelines regarding wearing masks in high transmission areas, and other CDC recommendations more closely,” the executives said.

Apple didn’t comment Monday on multiple reports that it's requiring employees and customers in many of its stores to be masked, regardless of vaccination status. Best Buy, meanwhile, didn't respond to questions about its masking and vaccination policies.

State and local governments are also stepping up to address the spike in COVID-19 cases. Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) and city health officials recommended Monday that New Yorkers vaccinated for COVID-19 wear masks when indoors, a reversal of previous mask-wearing guidance. De Blasio cited “an alarming uptick in cases” of the “highly contagious delta variant.” The mayor said that all newly hired city workers will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine before reporting to their new jobs.

The CDC showed on Monday that 70% of U.S. adults have gotten at least one vaccination, a month later than President Joe Biden’s goal of July 4.