Policies & IssuesJun 28, 2021
Retailers Call on Shoppers to Combat Bad Customer BehaviorPolicies & IssuesAug 03, 2021
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.
Amid a rise in the Delta variant of the coronavirus, the CDC has updated its guidance and some retailers are rethinking their store policies as well.
New York—The health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 have continued to evolve as scientists and the medical community learn more about the virus.
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 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
Mask guidance from the CDC has changed.
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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
