Target Joins Walmart in Updating Mask Requirements

Target on Monday joined a growing number of businesses updating their face-mask requirements following the CDC's July 27 update to its face-covering guidance. 

Effective Aug. 3, all Target team members in areas of substantial or high risk of COVID-19 transmission, as defined by the CDC—more than 79% of U.S. counties as of Aug. 2—will be required to wear a face covering in stores. In areas not flagged by the CDC, unvaccinated team members and guests will continue to be urged to wear a mask in stores, the Minneapolis-based retailer said in a statement. 

"We'll follow all local mandates, as we have throughout the pandemic, and continue to monitor guidance from the CDC closely," Target stated. The company added that it still urges team members and guests to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and is continuing to provide paid time off and free Lyft rides to Target employees when they receive their vaccinations.

Target Corp.'s move followed Walmart Inc.'s announcement Friday afternoon that it will not only require masks for all associates in areas seeing significant COVID-19 transmission but also will require staff on its Bentonville, Ark.-based headquarters campus—as well as district and regional managers in charge of multiple stores—to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4.