Publix makes face-coverings optional for fully vaccinated shoppers

LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida-based grocery chain Publix announced Friday that masks and face-coverings will no longer be required for fully vaccinated customers or employees.

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The restrictions will be lifted beginning Saturday, the company said in a news release posted to its website.

Publix’s announcement comes a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors, except when in healthcare settings, on public transportation, or in other areas where governments require masks.

Publix, which has 1,270 locations across seven Southern states, is following the lead of another large grocery chain, Trader Joe’s, which also announced restrictions would be lifted for vaccinated customers.

“In accordance with CDC guidelines, individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to use face coverings over their noses and mouths while inside any Publix store,” the company said in a news release.

Walmart and Costco, which also sell groceries, announced Friday that people fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be able to shop without masks.

>> Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s lift mask restrictions for vaccinated customers

At Publix, “individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to use face coverings over their noses and mouths while inside any Publix store,” spokeswoman Maria Brous said in a statement Friday.

She didn’t say how Publix would verify whether or not shoppers are fully vaccinated.

Publix has required masks since July 2020.

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Cox Media Group