Some retailers will still require wearing of masks despite Texas governor's ending mandate

Kroger, Starbucks and Target among retailers that will still require masks in Texas despite end of state mandate As Texas ends its mask mandate, some of nation’s largest retailers including Macy’s, Starbucks and Target are not rolling back theirs. Jessica Guynn USA TODAY

No mask, no service.

Even as some states roll back mask mandates, some of the nation’s largest retailers including Kroger, Macy’s, Starbucks and Target are not rolling back theirs.

Kroger, which also owns supermarket chains including Ralphs and Dillons, said in a statement to USA TODAY that it will "continue to require everyone in our stores across the country to wear masks until all our frontline grocery associates can receive the COVID-19 vaccine."

Best Buy also told USA TODAY it had no plans to change its mask policy.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to lift the face covering requirement and "open Texas 100%" to full capacity on March 10 conflict with safety protocols at many businesses.

Only health care workers, people over 65 and adults with preexisting conditions are currently eligible for vaccines in Texas.

Some businesses say they will continue to abide by guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that shield their frontline workers from exposure to COVID-19.

Kohl’s and Ulta told Bloomberg News that they're sticking with their mask requirements. CNN added CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, and auto manufacturers Toyota and General Motors to the list.

But not all. Some retailers including Albertsons plan to stop requiring patrons to wear face coverings.

"For associates and vendors, we will continue to follow the CDC guidance and will require face coverings. For customers, we will encourage face coverings to be worn while in the store," an Albertsons spokesman told USA TODAY. ...

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