Businesses split on mask-wearing requirements

SEATTLE — The country’s top health officials are defending guidance that anyone who is fully vaccinated does not need to wear a mask in most places.

But even with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public appears to be wary.

People are still wearing masks into places like Starbucks, which joined a list of companies that are axing the requirement.

The nation’s largest union of registered nurses, National Nurses United, is not happy with the changing recommendations.

Bonnie Castillo, a registered nurse and executive director of the union, called the change a “huge blow to our efforts at confronting this virus and the pandemic,” the New York Times reported.

The CDC says 37% of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated, and nearly half the population has had one shot.

On Sunday, the director of the CDC was asked if she trusted that people would wear a mask if they were unvaccinated.

“People have to be honest with themselves: you’re protected if you’re vaccinated, you’re not, if you’re not vaccinated,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

Starting Monday, Starbucks is making face coverings optional for vaccinated customers, joining a list of companies doing the same. That includes Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and PCC.

Some retailers like Kroger and Home Depot say they are keeping their mask policies in place for now.

Cox Media Group