From Disney to Starbucks, companies are making their own (confusing) mask rules
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Still haven't finished the Amazon 100-pack... While you were collecting crumpled-up masks from your car and purse, the CDC dropped a big one. On Thursday, America's public health agency said people who are fully Covid-vaccinated don't need to wear masks indoors or outdoors (except in certain cases). Fully-vaxed peeps (FVPs) also don't need to social distance. Companies moved quickly:
- Unmasked: Target, Starbucks, Chipotle, CVS, Walmart, Costco, and TJ’s are allowing mask-free shopping for FVPs.
- Half-masked: Disney Orlando is letting FVPs roam mask-free in outdoor common areas (but not while waiting for Space Mountain — or riding it).
- Full-masked: Home Depot, Gap, Kroger, and Ulta are among those maintaining their mask precautions for now.
Mask on, mask off?... The answer may be as confusing as LA street parking signs. Plus, state and local laws take precedence over company policies (eg: FVPs can unmask in Starbs Miami, but not in LA). The new guidelines could encourage more Americans to get vaxed. But many stores aren't verifying vax status. That "honor code" comes with risks — especially to immunocompromised people. For companies...
- Foot traffic: The guidelines could increase capacity and help bring customers back — or scare some away. Think: bar seating and regularly-spaced tables.
- Employees: The option to go mask-free during a long shift could help lure workers back (ICYMI, there's a labor shortage). But some companies are still requiring employees to wear masks, while customers can go mask-free.
Companies can act like mini-governments... The hierarchy of health mandates has three layers: nation-wide (CDC), state and local (22 states still have mask mandates), and corporate. While government rules take precedence, companies can shape policies of places we visit every day. We'll see if "unmasked" vs. "masked" companies gain a leg up over each other — and if these rules-within-rules create public confusion.