Business & Tech

Target Unveils New Mask Policy For Stores

Monday's announcement comes as the highly-infectious​ delta variant of the coronavirus is causing a surge in new cases across the nation.

Customers at stores will not be required to wear masks. However, Target will "strongly recommend" masks for all customers — regardless of vaccination status — in areas with a "substantial" or "high risk" of transmission​​, as defined by the CDC.
Customers at stores will not be required to wear masks. However, Target will "strongly recommend" masks for all customers — regardless of vaccination status — in areas with a "substantial" or "high risk" of transmission​​, as defined by the CDC. (Lorraine Swanson/Patch)

MINNEAPOLIS — Target will again require employees to wear face masks, the Minneapolis-based retail giant announced Monday. The new policy will go into effect Tuesday.

Customers at stores will not be required to wear masks. However, Target will "strongly recommend" masks for all customers — regardless of vaccination status — in areas with a "substantial" or "high risk" of transmission, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control.

Target will continue to recommend that customers who aren't fully vaccinated wear a mask.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Since May, Target has not required customers and employees who are fully vaccinated to wear masks in stores unless it's required through local regulations.

Monday's announcement comes as the highly-infectious delta variant of the coronavirus is causing a surge in new cases and hospitalizations across the United States. On Saturday, Florida reported its highest number of new coronavirus cases in a single day since the pandemic started, according to the CDC.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

"We’ll follow all local mandates, as we have throughout the pandemic, and continue to monitor guidance from the CDC closely," Target said in a news release.

"We will also maintain all of our health and safety protocols that include increased cleaning measures and social distancing. We encourage our team members and guests to get the COVID-19 vaccine by offering vaccine appointments at nearly all CVS at Target locations and providing paid time and free Lyft rides to team members when they get their vaccines."

As cases rise, governors are trying to incentivize more people to get vaccinated. In Minnesota, residents 12 and older will be given $100 if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Tim Walz announced.

"President Biden is calling for a nationwide push to make sure our families and communities are vaccinated and protected against COVID-19 and the delta variant, and Minnesota is ready to join the effort," Walz said in a statement.

"We have made so much progress to combat this virus. We cannot give up ground now, especially with students returning to the classroom this fall. Getting paid $100 to keep your family safe is a pretty good deal – all you have to do is roll up your sleeves."

Find a vaccine appointment in Minnesota here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here