The Centers for Disease Control's unexpected announcement limiting the circumstances under which fully vaccinated Americans should wear a mask caught many companies by surprise. The new policy creates ambiguities for retailers because it fails to fully align with state and local orders. Training a diverse workforce to implement these new requirements will be challenging.
OSHA is currently reviewing the CDC guidance, but for the time-being has instructed employers to "refer to" the CDC mask guidance for people fully vaccinated.
The EEOC also said on its website that it is considering the impact the CDC guidance may have on advice already issued by the EEOC about COVID-19 policies and anti-discrimination laws.
It is unlikely that travel centers are required under federal law to continue requiring masks in their stores (though state and local laws will vary).
Various state mask policies can be found on the AARP website here.
There is a growing list of retailers and restaurants that have eased mask requirements for fully vaccinated customers (unless facial coverings are required by state or local law). The list includes Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe's, CVS, Target and Publix. Starbucks' new policy makes it optional for fully vaccinated customers to wear a mask. Home Depot, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Walgreens, Whole Foods, and the Gap, among others, have said they would maintain their pandemic precautions while they monitor the latest developments.
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