All manner of businesses across the United States are again requiring that customers wear masks, the Associated Press reports.
The businesses span industries and sizes, including eateries, pubs and gymnasiums, according to the wire service.
“We’ve already been through the worst of the challenges when we shut down the indoors last year,” Brack May, the chef-owner of New Orleans restaurant Cowbell, reportedly told the Associated Press. “Let’s just get ahead of the curve here.”
The Centers for Disease Control relaxed its mask guidance in June, but in late July again recommended that vaccinated people wear masks when indoors.
A new twist on fighting COVID this time around, compared to the first time, is the requirement for some businesses that customers show proof of vaccination prior to eating indoors.
Beginning in September, according to the Associated Press, New York City will require that customers prove they’ve been vaccinated before entering restaurants, gyms and theaters.
At Walmart and Target stores, employees are required to wear masks but customers aren’t.
“We’ll follow all local mandates, as we have throughout the pandemic, and continue to monitor guidance from the CDC closely,” a July news release from Target stated. “We will also maintain all of our health and safety protocols that include increased cleaning measures and social distancing.”
Read more: Target Requires Employees, Asks Customers To Wear Masks
Governments in Louisiana, San Francisco and Las Vegas, Nevada, are requiring that people were masks when indoors.
Some business owners, like restaurateur Tamra Patterson in Memphis, Tennessee, imposed more strict regulations governing mask use before being told to, the Associated Press reported.
“I need every dollar and dime and penny I can get, but if I don’t have employees healthy, I don’t have a business. If customers are sick, I have nothing,” she reportedly said.
As Broadway moves toward fall, theater staff, performers and guests will be required to be vaccinated, and audience members must wear masks.
See more: Broadway Theaters Will Require Vaccines For Audience, Performers And Staff
In early August, Equinox fitness clubs began requiring vaccination proof of guests.
See also: Equinox Group Requiring Vax Proof For Employees, Members, Riders
Meanwhile, more than 60 organizations of medical professionals have called for vaccination requirements covering medical professionals.
Read further: Delta Variant Spread Leads To More Vax Mandates In US
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