Target Mandates Masks For OH Employees, Recommends For Customers

OHIO — Target employees will begin wearing masks again starting Tuesday, the company announced.

Customers will not be required to wear masks while shopping, though masks will be "strongly recommended" in areas with "substantial" or "high" COVID-19 rates, according to CDC data. Currently, 64 of Ohio's 88 counties have either substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rates.

"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.

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.

"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."

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. Ohio officials have started recommending students wear masks in classrooms this year, though mandates will be difficult to issue due to legislative changes in the Buckeye State.