Target, CVS, Walgreens adding mask requirements to stores nationwide

Target, CVS, Walgreens to also require masks at stores nationwide as COVID-19 cases rise

Target, CVS and Walgreens are the latest retailers to announce that they, too, will require shoppers to wear masks or face coverings at stores nationwide.

The announcements come a day after Walmart, Kroger and Kohl's announced they would require masks starting next week as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. The coronavirus causes the disease COVID-19.

Target's requirement will start Aug. 1, the retailer confirmed to USA TODAY Thursday. It excludes "those with underlying medical conditions and young children."

For shoppers who do not have masks, Target says stores will provide disposable masks at store entrances.

CVS and Walgreens will start requiring masks July 20, the drug store chains announced Thursday. Florida-based grocer Publix also said it will require masks starting July 21.

List of retailers adding face mask policies: Walmart, Kroger, Kohls and others to mandate masks due to COVID-19. See the full list of stores.

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"With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we're joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20," CVS said in its statement.

CVS said it is not asking store employees "to play the role of enforcer."

"What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering," CVS said.

More than 80% of Target's stores already require shoppers to wear face coverings due to local and state regulations, the company said.

"Given the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the role masks play in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, our store team members also already wear masks when they come to work, which we provide for them," Target said in a statement.

Target also says it will add signage, station employees at store entrances to remind shoppers to wear masks and have audio reminders.

Target stores, which recently extended their hours, with many locations closing at 10 p.m., will continue to have "no-contact fulfillment options" including Drive Up curbside pickup and deliveries through Shipt, the company said.

In late June, Target added fresh and frozen groceries to curbside pickup at more than 400-plus stores in the Midwest and will have the service at more than 1,500 stores "in time for the holidays."

Walmart and Sam's Club will start requiring masks at stores and clubs nationwide starting July 20. Kohl's mandate also starts Monday; Kroger's starts Wednesday. Best Buy and Starbucks started requiring consumers nationwide wear masks this week.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko