Both Walmart and Costco were among several major companies that announced on Friday they no longer have a mask mandate in their stores for shoppers who are vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. The new policy applies in jurisdictions where local or state governments do not have a mask requirement.
There is no requirement that a shopper must show proof of vaccination.
The Kirkland, Wa.-based Costco “will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield,” in those areas, the company said on its website Friday. “Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield.”
The corporate letter from Walmart stated, “vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask,” while unvaccinated shoppers are asked to keep masks on.
Walgreens is keeping its mask policy until the company further reviews it. Kroger, which owns Fred Meyer, is reviewing its company mask policy, and Home Depot still required masks as of Friday.
A Must Read Alaska venture into restaurants in Anchorage on Friday evening revealed that many had quickly abandoned the masks as soon as the Anchorage Assembly lifted the emergency order that required them. A few servers still wore masks, but most did not.
There’s no word on when the FAA or airlines will release passengers from the mask mandates, although the CDC says that those who are not vaccinated don’t need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. Alaska Airlines has banned 509 passengers for not following the mask mandate, while Delta has banned over 1,200.
