After days of mixed messages from the state and federal government, San Diegans are struggling to know if and where to wear a mask.
Public officials have been eager to ease unpopular face mask mandates as the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine reaches more people. But they are trying to do it gradually and without creating the possibility of further increases in cases and hospitalizations.
This has caused some confusion, beginning Tuesday, when Governor Gavin Newsom said California’s mask mandate would essentially end on June 15. He then clarified Wednesday that indoor masking would likely continue after that date. But on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most situations, both indoors and outdoors.
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The CDC noted that states, local governments and businesses could enforce stricter standards, and the Governor’s Office tweeted Thursday that it was reviewing this guidance. When asked for an update Friday, a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health referred to the state’s earlier statement.
State silence has kept the county quiet about any new mask guidelines.
“San Diego is awaiting further guidance from CDPH on any changes or relaxation of mask requirements,” county spokesman Michael Workman said in an email, noting that current guidelines remain in effect.
But some companies are already taking the lead, although not without considerable confusion.
USA Today published an article on Friday claiming that Trader Joe’s had updated its mask use policy, but the link to the company’s COVID-19 update page had been removed late Friday afternoon. .
The San Diego Union-Tribune contacted Trader Joe’s corporate office but received no response in time for publication.
At Trader Joe’s in Mission Valley, an employee said the store was following the latest guidance from the CDC pending further information from company headquarters.
The employee, who was unable to provide her name because she is not authorized to speak on behalf of the company, said there was confusion about the new policy.
“We are flying down the seat of our pants,” he said.
On Friday, Walmart sent a memo to employees informing them that as of Tuesday, staff who are fully vaccinated and show no symptoms of the virus during their daily health assessment will no longer have to wear a mask to work. .
The note adds that, as of Friday, customers who have been vaccinated will also be able to buy without a mask, but does not give details on how the vaccination status will be confirmed.
Walmart has required all shoppers in the United States to wear a face shield since last July, and employees since April 2020, according to its COVID response website. Corporate headquarters did not respond to an interview request in time.
That same memorandum also announced that employees would receive a bonus of $ 75 for being already vaccinated or for getting vaccinated in the future.
Costco also updated its mask policy on Friday for fully vaccinated shoppers, but only in states that do not require masks. Despite this, the company’s statement also said that masks would remain mandatory in its health care departments, which include pharmacies, eye care and hearing aid services.
One of the key points of confusion and frustration has been regulatory compliance. If someone does not wear a mask inside, is it because they are fully vaccinated? Or is it simply because you don’t want to wear a mask?
And how do you know?
“Confusing and incoherent is an understatement,” said Marco Li Mandri, executive director of the Little Italy Association of San Diego, which represents businesses in the neighborhood. “Are we supposed to ask them for a card?”
He says it’s not feasible for businesses to constantly check every customer’s vaccination status before they walk through the door.
“They want to do the right thing. They want to do what keeps people safe. ” Mandri said. “But the rules always change.”
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