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.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
