Several American retail chains, such as the giant Walmart, announced on Friday that the mask is no longer compulsory in their stores but that it remains de rigueur when local legislation still requires them to be worn.
“Starting today, vaccinated customers and members will be able to shop without a mask,” retail giant Walmart said on Friday. However, this decision does not concern all stores, since masks remain mandatory in cities or territories that continue to require them to be worn.
Port still compulsory, depending on the territory
The main federal public health agency in the United States (CDC) said Thursday that anyone who is fully vaccinated can now do without wearing the mask, except in transport and hospitals. But each state, county or even city can decide to keep the obligation.
The announcement of Walmart, America’s number one retailer and one of the country’s largest private employers, is however a strong symbol. Last summer, when the mask had become a symbol of political affiliation between pro and anti-Trump in the United States, Walmart, a symbol of “real” America, took a stand by making it compulsory to wear in its stores.
The chain of low-cost stores Costco has also adopted this variable geometry position: mask always mandatory when local regulations require it, optional elsewhere.
On the other hand, in Las Vegas, where Wynn and Encore casinos remove the obligation for their “guests” if they are “fully vaccinated”.
Priority to health
Other brands remain in the background, such as the low-cost supermarket chain Aldi, which maintains the obligation, explaining having, since the start of the pandemic, “given priority to the health and well-being of its customers and employees ”.
The CVS pharmacy chain is “re-evaluating” its policy “on the basis of the latest CDC recommendations”. In the meantime, employees and customers will continue to wear the mask. “As a place where it is possible to be tested and vaccinated against Covid-19, we have decided to keep our current policy in place for the moment,” said Walgreens, another chain of pharmacies.
The same goes for The Home Depot, a chain of DIY and home goods stores, as well as the Gap clothing stores.
Confusion for employees
“The CDC’s recommendations are confusing,” complained the UFCW distribution workers union. “Essential workers are frequently exposed to individuals who are not vaccinated and refuse to wear masks […] Are they supposed to become the vaccination policemen? “
Wearing a mask also remains the norm at the number one American automobile company, General Motors, which assures that it “will remain faithful to its security protocols linked to Covid-19 until (he is convinced) that any revision will continue to guarantee the health and safety of employees while respecting the rules of the authorities ”.
As the mask remains compulsory in public transport, Uber has not changed the rules for its drivers and passengers either, a spokesperson said.
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