Face mask mandates reinstated at these companies as COVID-19 cases surge
The delta variant has a growing number of companies reinstating mask requirements
Major companies and renowned tourist attractions nationwide are reinstating their mask mandates as the delta variant of the coronavirus raises infections.
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The reversal comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed course Tuesday on its guidance citing new information about the variant’s ability to spread among vaccinated people.
The CDC Is now recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S.
Previously, the CDC eased mask-wearing guidance for both outdoor and indoor settings as vaccination rates rose sharply around the country. This paved the way for retailers around the nation to relax their once-strict coronavirus protocols for fully vaccinated shoppers and in some cases, employees.
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Now, retailers and other venues are changing their policies based on the CDC's latest guidance.
Here is the list of companies and venues that have reinstated their mask mandates:
Amazon
Its U.S. employees will be required to wear masks at work, even if they are vaccinated, Reuters reported.
Apple
At least half of the Apple stores across the nation will require shoppers to wear masks again, according to USA Today. However, the company didn't disclose which locations will be impacted, only that they will be in COVID-19 hotspots or parts of the country where there are state or local mandates. The retailer also didn't say when the policy will take effect.
Representatives for Apple did not respond to FOX Business' request for comment.
CVS
Employees at all CVS health worksites are required to wear a face mask, Reuters reported.
Disney World
Starting July 30, face coverings will be required while indoors at the Walt Disney World resort including on Disney buses, the monorail and the Disney Skyliner transportation system. This applies to anyone who is at least two years old.
Disneyland
Starting July 30, face coverings are required for any visitor who is at least two years old in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status. This includes both entering and while inside attractions and enclosed transportation vehicles such as shuttles and buses, according to the park's website.
Any Facebook employee working at its U.S. offices needs to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status, The Wall Street Journal reported. However, many employees are still working remotely with the company planning to have them return to offices in the fall.
Ford
Masks must be worn at all U.S. plants, offices and warehouses, even if employees are vaccinated, according to Reuters.
General Motors
All U.S. employees will be mandated to wear masks at its GM plants, offices and warehouses, Reuters reported.
Giant Eagle
The supermarket – which has stores in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland – is reinstating its face mask policy for all of its staff, regardless of their vaccination status, on Aug. 4, according to WTAE. This applies to all Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo staff.
Customers are also asked to comply with the same mask policy starting Aug. 6, according to the outlet.
Home Depot
All Home Depot workers must wear a mask whether or not they've been vaccinated, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Kroger
In light of the CDC's updated guidance, Kroger is encouraging all individuals, including those who are vaccinated, to wear masks inside, according to a Kroger spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the company's current mask guidance requires unvaccinated associates and customers to wear masks in stores.
McDonald's
Employees at both corporate- and franchisee-owned McDonald's locations in counties deemed to be at high risk for COVID-19 transmission by the CDC will have to wear masks, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Publix
As of July 30, Publix is asking everyone in its stores to wear face coverings and socially distance, regardless of vaccination status, citing the CDC's latest recommendations.
Smithsonian
Starting July 30, the Smithsonian will require all visitors who are at least two years old to wear a mask in its museums and indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Starbucks
The Seattle-based coffee chain will require customers to wear masks while in stores in accordance with local law or regulation. All company-operated store partners are required to wear face coverings while on shift, regardless of their vaccination status.
Target
Starting Aug. 3, Target team members will be required to wear masks. At the same time, the company "strongly" recommends that guests wear face coverings in areas with substantial or high risk of transmission, as defined by the CDC," Target spokesperson Kayla Castaneda told FOX Business.
Walgreens
Beginning on Aug. 4, Walgreens employees in all stores, distribution centers and offices across the country will be required to wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status.
Walmart
Walmart will require all its workers to wear masks. The company is also encouraging customers to wear masks in those stores in areas with high infection rates and will be adding back signs at the entrances, according to a memo sent to its employees.
Wegmans
As of Aug. 3, Wegmans employees are required to wear a face mask in stores and all customers are strongly encouraged to put one on while shopping as well, regardless of vaccination status.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story was originally published on July 29