Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have relied on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control in making all COVID-19 safety decisions and have closely followed their guidelines even as some states and cities relaxed their policies. Last week’s CDC announcement about face coverings, of course, caused us to look at how we might now refine our safety policies.
Beginning immediately, fully vaccinated customers are no longer required to wear face coverings in our stores, except where otherwise mandated by state or local order. Instead, they will be available for any customer who wants one. Hand sanitizer will also continue to be available, and our facilities will be cleaned as regularly and thoroughly as ever.
Fully vaccinated employees will also no longer be required to wear a face covering, except where mandated by local or state order. Any employee who chooses to can still wear a mask, and they will continue to be made available to everyone. Employees working in customers’ homes will still be required to wear a face covering, even if fully vaccinated.
We will continue to provide resources to employees who wish to get vaccinated and will continue to provide paid time off for those who choose to get the vaccine.
We recognize that the CDC’s new recommendations are a signal that things are indeed improving. Our goal now is to navigate through this period of transition as safely as we possibly can, for our employees and our customers.