Walgreens to require customers to wear masks

Next week, Walgreens will join the dozens of retailers requiring customers to wear a mask or face covering before entering its store.

“We know that face covers can play a vital role in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As cases continue to rise in many parts of the country, it’s critical we, as businesses and members of the community, do everything we can to support recommendations of health officials, both locally and nationally,” Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer said in a news release.

The mask requirement will take effect Monday, July 20.

On Thursday, Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.

Some retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.

Here is the most recent list of stores with nationwide mask requirements: