Target, CVS to join growing number of retailers requiring masks nationwide

Target and CVS Health announced on Thursday they will require all customers to wear face masks in every U.S. store.

The news follows Walmart, Best Buy and Kroger announcing the same measure on Wednesday and the National Retail Federation (NRF) encouraging other chains to follow. Chains are releasing the new policies as coronavirus cases surge in various states including Texas, California and Florida.

Target’s policy will go into effect on Aug. 1 and excludes people with underlying medical conditions and young children. The company said that over 80 percent of stores are already located in areas where local and state regulations require face coverings. 

Target stores will provide disposable masks at store entrances for customers who do not have a mask. They will also add signage and guide guests to no-contact options like Target Drive Up and online purchases if customers prefer those options.

CVS Health’s policy will go into effect on Monday. The company said in a press release that employees will not be enforcing the policy.

“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer. What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering,” Jon Roberts, CVS chief operating offer, said in a press release.

The company has required all store employees to wear face coverings and encouraged customers to do the same before this announcement.

Other companies that have already mandated a nationwide mask policy include BJ’s Wholesale Club, Apple, Costco and Panera Bread.