Target lifts in-store mask requirement for those who are fully vaccinated

Rebecca Omastiak
[KSTP-TV]

Monday, Target Corporation announced it will no longer require fully-vaccinated shoppers and employees to wear masks in its stores.

The Minneapolis-based retailer stated the lifting of the requirement applies except where face masks are required by "local ordinances." It added it will continue to "strongly recommend" those who aren’t vaccinated to wear a mask while in its stores.

The full statement is as follows:

The health and safety of our guests and team members have been Target’s top priority throughout the pandemic, and we’ve closely and consistently followed the CDC’s recommendations over time. Given the CDC’s updated guidance last week, Target will no longer require fully vaccinated guests and team members to wear face coverings in our stores, except where it’s required by local ordinances. Face coverings will continue to be strongly recommended for guests and team members who are not fully vaccinated and we’ll continue our increased safety and cleaning measures, including social distancing, throughout our stores. Target is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments at nearly all CVS at Target locations for guests and team members. We’re also providing paid time to U.S. hourly team members when they get their vaccines and free Lyft rides, up to $15 each way, for our team to get to and from their appointments.

Target’s announcement follows new guidelines issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which essentially work on the honor system, in terms of wearing a mask or not depending on vaccination status.

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