More U.S. retailers put down mask rules for fully vaccinated customers

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The US National Health Agency said last week that people receiving full vaccinations no longer need to wear them indoors. Previously, Starbucks and Target were the latest large companies in the United States to review their mask policies.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday that fully vaccinated people can Stop wearing a mask In most indoor and outdoor environments, unless individual states or companies require this.

Relaxing restrictions have caused companies to scramble to reconsider their mask policies. Some large retail chains, such as Wal-Mart, Costco and Trader Joe’s, have cancelled their mask requirements for vaccinated shoppers on weekends, while other department stores, such as Macy’s, temporarily retain their mask requirements.

Target said on Monday that customers and staff who have received full vaccinations will no longer need to wear masks, but “still strongly recommends that guests and team members who have not received adequate vaccinations use face masks.”

The company said that starting from Monday, Starbucks customers who receive the full vaccination can choose not to wear a mask, as long as local laws allow it. At CVS, although employees of the pharmacy chain will continue to do so, customers who do not need to be fully vaccinated to wear masks.

During Covid-19 cases and hospitalization, it was decided not to provide face coverings for fully vaccinated people Continue to fall In the U.S. Nearly 40% of the population received the vaccination.

But the CDC’s announcement means that businesses and shoppers must rely on trust, which arouses suspicion and anger.Given Prospects for vaccine passports, The company will not seek vaccination certificates from customers, which means that unvaccinated shoppers can enter without a mask.

National Nurses United, the largest nurses union in the United States, condemned the CDC’s decision. Executive Director Bonnie Castillo said: “This does not protect public health and threatens the lives of patients, nurses and other frontline workers across the country.

She added: “Now is not the time to relax protection measures. We are angry at what the CDC has done, and the CDC is still in the midst of the deadliest pandemic in a century.”

Certain states in the United States have also taken measures to relax mask guidance to align it with the CDC update, including Colorado and Pennsylvania. A few countries, such as Texas, have waived mask requirements.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday that New York will also adopt the latest guidelines from May 19, although he said that masks are still required in certain places such as hospitals and public transportation.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that two weeks after receiving a one-time Johnson & Johnson vaccine or a second dose of Moderna or BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, people have been fully vaccinated. The agency said the new guidelines are based on data that shows that people who are fully vaccinated are unlikely to have the coronavirus or spread the virus to others.

Some vaccinated people will continue to wear masks. They believe that people who have been fully immunized across the country should feel comfortable enough that their number should be much higher before they completely take off their masks.

“I don’t think enough people have been vaccinated yet. I just want to [the CDC] Hurry up,” said Cathie English, a Reiki coach from California. “We need to increase the vaccination rate. My husband and I have received the full vaccination, but when I am indoors, I will definitely wear a mask. “

Other reports by Peter Wells in New York

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