May 17, 2021 - News

Where you do and don't need a mask to grocery shop in Tampa Bay

Illustration of a face mask flying away from a grocery bag

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Now that the CDC says fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks both outdoors and indoors, grocery stores are changing their policies.

Driving the news: Publix will no longer require customers and employees who are fully vaccinated to wear masks in its stores, the Lakeland-based chain announced Friday.

Point of intrigue: The maskless policy is based on the honor system. Let's see how this plays out.

  • Costco is doing the same in states that have dropped their mask mandates (that's us).
  • But, you still have to wear a mask in the Costco pharmacy, optical and hearing aid departments, USA Today reports.

What else: Walmart and BJ's β€” along with dropping mask requirements β€” are also giving a $75 bonus to its workers for getting vaccinated, which will require proof, per USA Today.

Trader Joe's employees still need masks, while vaccinated customers don't.

  • Ditto for Starbucks.

Where you still need a mask: Macy's, Target, Kroger and others who are still reviewing their policies.

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