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
AuctionsAug 11, 2022
Sotheby’s Is Preparing its First Art Jewelry Auction This Fall“Art as Jewelry as Art” features works from artists like Salvador Dalí, Alexander Calder, and Max Ernst.
IndependentsAug 11, 2022
Martin Katz Is Moving to a PenthouseThe jeweler is relocating his Beverly Hills store after 20 years and has begun developing a lifestyle brand.
Brought to you by
The American Mined™ Collection: Ethical Sourcing That MattersRio Grande provides a pathway to responsibly sourced gemstones.
MajorsAug 11, 2022
Brilliant Earth Opens First Missouri Showroom in St. LouisIt’s the company’s seventh showroom opening this year.
Weekly QuizAug 11, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2022
HRD Antwerp Is Bringing Back Its Jewelry Design Competition The Belgian organization is calling for entries from all over the world, with an eye on attracting emerging talent.
ColumnistsAug 10, 2022
On Data: What We Know About Jewelry Sales So Far This YearSherry Smith digs into year-to-date data on lab-grown vs. natural diamonds, the performance of colored gemstone jewelry, and more.
Brought to you by
Knowledge and Skills for Today’s Hot TopicsFrom laboratory-grown diamonds to design to country-of-origin, GIA's Alumni Collective™ has a seminar to suite your needs.
EditorsAug 10, 2022
Take a Tour Through Buccellati’s Vintage Jewelry CollectionAssociate Editor Lenore Fedow leads readers through the Italian jeweler’s works from the 1940s to the 2000s.
CrimeAug 10, 2022
Smash-and-Grab NY Thieves Flee with $2M in JewelsThe NYPD is still searching for the four suspects who robbed Rocco’s Jewelry in the Bronx.
Events & AwardsAug 10, 2022
JA New York Returns with New Designer GalleryThe jewelry trade show is taking place Aug. 14-16 at the Javits Center in New York City.
MajorsAug 10, 2022
GIA Is Now a Sponsor of AGS Young TitleholdersThe sponsorship will help fund programs and initiatives in the upcoming year.
MajorsAug 09, 2022
Signet to Buy Blue Nile in $360M DealThe jewelry giant said the acquisition will allow it to tap into a pool of customers who are younger, more affluent and ethnically diverse.
TechnologyAug 09, 2022
Tiffany & Co.’s CryptoPunk Pendant NFTs Are Sold OutThere were only 250 made available, selling for more than $50,000.
CollectionsAug 09, 2022
Cora Sheibani Shows a Magic Garden of Jewelry at Sotheby’sThe British-based Swiss designer’s “Pottering Around” collection is for sale at Sotheby’s East Hampton starting this week.
SourcingAug 09, 2022
Diamond Price List Introduces ‘Insights’ Platform It provides real-time diamond market analytics.
SourcingAug 09, 2022
Grandview Klein to Donate Dialysis Machines to Namibian ClinicThe diamond firm will give the donation at a ceremony in Namibia this month during a trip for select retail jeweler partners.
CrimeAug 08, 2022
Nehal Modi Sentenced to 3-9 Years in Grand Larceny CaseHe was convicted last month after falsely claiming he had a deal with Costco in order to obtain millions in diamonds from LLD Diamonds USA.
TrendsAug 08, 2022
Amanda’s Style File: Spicy SpinelsTough, vibrant, and full of personality, spinel is a perfect birthstone for August babies, Amanda Gizzi says.
IndependentsAug 08, 2022
Gemist, NDC to Offer Custom Pieces by BIPOC DesignersDorian Webb, one of the designers in the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative, will be the first to work with Gemist.
MajorsAug 08, 2022
Here’s How to Support Jewelers for Children this JFC DayThe charity will hold its fifth annual fundraising day on Sept. 24.
SourcingAug 05, 2022
Rare Earth Mining Co.’s Bill Heher Dies at 72The passionate gem lover helped bring more than 300 different varieties of stones to the gem trade.
TrendsAug 05, 2022
Piece of the Week: Storrow Jewelry’s ‘Emblem Rosa’ CharmThe brand has attracted attention for its colorful, vintage-inspired pieces.
MajorsAug 05, 2022
Former Nike Executive Joins Team at David Yurman Marcelo Tau is the company’s new chief operations officer.
Supplier BulletinAug 04, 2022
Unusual Jewelry Finds Eager Buyers In Online AuctionsSponsored by HiBid
WatchesAug 04, 2022
4 Takeaways from Chrono24’s Analysis of the Luxury Watch MarketThe watch seller comments on future demand, how the crypto crash impacted Rolex and Patek Philippe pricing, the supply recovery, and more.
CollectionsAug 04, 2022
The Rest of De Beers’ 2022 High Jewelry Collection Is HereIt features fives sets of jewelry.
