Target said Monday that it will begin requiring masks for store employees in high-risk counties in the United States as determined by the latest CDC rankings.
The rules go into effect on Tuesday, it said.
The big-box retailer will strongly recommend face coverings for all shoppers in those high-risk areas, as well, but it will not be enforcing them.
“We’ll follow all local mandates, as we have throughout the pandemic, and continue to monitor guidance from the CDC closely,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
The shift in policy comes after Walmart on Friday started requiring masks for its store staff in counties with high rates of Covid transmission.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new recommendation calling for wearing face masks again in areas of the country where the Covid-19 virus is spreading the most rapidly. It covers about two-thirds of all counties in the U.S.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.