Target, CVS Pharmacy, Schnucks and Kohl’s recently joined a growing number of retailers that will require customers to wear face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Walmart announced Wednesday (July 15) that it will begin mandating that customers wear masks in its store, as well as Sam’s Clubs stores, beginning Monday (July 20).
Kohl’s followed suit, announcing Wednesday evening that it, too, would begin requiring shoppers to wear masks on Monday.
Today (July 16), Target, CVS and Schnucks announced their mask requirements. Customers will be required to wear masks in CVS locations and Schnucks grocery stores starting Monday.
Target’s requirement goes into effect Saturday, Aug. 1, according to the company’s website.
Kohl’s, Schnucks and Target said those who are unable to wear a mask because of medical reasons are excluded from the policy, and Target and Schnucks said young children will not be required to wear masks.
The companies will post signs at their retail locations notifying customers about the mask requirements. Target and Schnucks said employees will provide complimentary masks to shoppers who do not have one.
“From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved quickly to respond to the ever-changing environment and prioritize safety and cleanliness in our stores,” Schnucks chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck said in a written statement. “We have been monitoring this situation closely, and given the escalating number of positive COVID-19 cases in the regions we serve, we believe requiring masks for teammates, vendors and customers is in the best interest of public safety. We understand there are a variety of opinions about masks; however the CDC and other health experts are aligned on the benefits of facial coverings in reducing the spread of COVID-19.”
CVS urges customers to pay attention to its mask requirement.
“To be clear, we're not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer,” CVS Health COO Jon Roberts said in a written statement. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering."
Target said more than 80 percent of its stores already require shoppers to wear masks because of state or local regulations, and Kohl’s said 70 percent of its stores are in states or cities that require customers to wear masks.
All four retailers also encouraged those with concerns about the spread of COVID-19 to take advantage of their contactless or limited-contact shopping options.
Other retailers that require customers to wear masks in their stores include Apple, Best Buy, Costco, Kroger and Starbucks.
