5 Things Retailers Should Know About COVID-19 Safety
As the Delta variant spreads rapidly, some retailers are reinstating mask mandates and requiring employees to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance last week, reinstating its mask policy in certain cases as the Delta variant spreads rapidly.
Here are five things retailers should know about the shifting situation.
The Delta variant is spreading quickly.
First identified in India in December, the highly contagious virus strain ran rampant through the country, then the U.K., and now in the U.S., where it has become the dominant variant, according to Yale Medicine.
By the end of July, it was the cause of more than 80 percent of new U.S. COVID-19 cases, the CDC estimates.
“In a completely unmitigated environment—where no one is vaccinated or wearing masks—it’s estimated that the average person infected with the original coronavirus strain will infect 2.5 other people,” said Dr. F. Perry Wilson of Yale Medicine.
“In the same environment, Delta would spread from one person to maybe 3.5 or 4 other people.”
The #DeltaVariant of the virus that causes #COVID19 is more than 2x as contagious as the original strain. Some fully vaccinated people can spread Delta, but vaccines provide protection from hospitalization, severe disease, and death.
— CDC (@CDCgov) August 2, 2021
Get vaccinated: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. pic.twitter.com/fMI8eodQkS
The CDC recommends those who are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 years or older should wear a mask in indoor public places.
In most outdoor settings, you do not need to wear a mask.
However, in areas with rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, regardless of vaccination status, you may want to wear a mask in crowded outdoor areas or during activities where you will be in close contact with those who are not fully vaccinated.
Those with a compromised immune system, even if fully vaccinated, should take the same precautions as the unvaccinated, including wearing a mask, unless otherwise advised by their healthcare provider.
Masks are still required on public transportation, including planes, buses, and trains, and while indoors at airports, stations, and other transportation areas.
Retailers are reinstating mask guidelines.
As the Delta variant raises concern, some retailers are once again requiring masks to be worn in stores.
“As the virus changes, variants spread, and vaccine hesitancy in some populations continues, retailers understand that CDC guidance may evolve and masks may be necessary again in some circumstances,” said the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) in a press release.
RILA asked customers to be mindful of the guidance and be respectful of employees and customers who continue to wear masks for their safety.
Last week, Apple announced it would start requiring employees and customers to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status in more than half of its stores.
Walmart is requiring its workers and encouraging its customers, including those who are vaccinated, to wear masks in areas with high COVID-19 infection rates.
The retail giant will also have employees, or “health ambassadors,” at the door handing out masks and will bring back signs explaining its policy.
Grocery chain Kroger is also encouraging shoppers, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask in stores.
As of Monday, Publix will also require all store employees, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask.
Target followed suit and is now requiring masks for employees in high-risk areas.
Some retailers are also requiring employees to be vaccinated.
In addition to a mask mandate, Walmart is requiring select employees to get vaccinated.
Its home office workers and management-level staff members who travel within the U.S. will need to be vaccinated by Oct. 4.
The requirement does not extend to store employees.
However, the company will double its vaccine incentive to $150 for workers in its stores, Sam’s Club stores, and its transportation, distribution, and fulfillment centers.
Private companies and government agencies can require employees to be vaccinated as a condition of working there.
“The best defense against the virus is getting more people vaccinated. Leading retailers are working diligently to help vaccinate Americans and are providing paid leave and other benefits to reduce any barriers for employees to be vaccinated,” said RILA.
The vaccine is still effective, says the CDC.
While there is more to learn about the virus, the CDC reiterated the vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, including severe illness and death.
Even up against the variants, the vaccines are effective against severe disease and death.
Though infections can occur in fully vaccinated people, that has only happened to a small percentage of those vaccinated. When it does happen, the effects are usually mild.
If you are fully vaccinated and are infected with the Delta variant, you can spread it to others, as per the CDC.
Those with a weakened immune system and those who are on immunosuppressive medications may not be protected even if they are fully vaccinated.
For more information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit the CDC website.
The Latest

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.


The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.

Smith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.

The company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.

The “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.

David Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.