COLUMBUS, Ohio — As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, businesses nationwide are beginning to reinstate their mask policies in an effort to curb the spread.
That includes several businesses found in central Ohio.
The announcements from businesses began shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced updated guidance, suggesting people mask up in areas where COVID-19 transmission is high, regardless of their vaccination status.
Health officials issued an indoor mask advisory for Columbus and Franklin County, encouraging all people to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Several big name brands, such as Kroger and Target, have re-introduced their mask policies with updated guidance. 10TV has compiled a list of businesses found throughout central Ohio and plans to update it as those policies are announced:
- Barcelona Restaurant: Masks required for staff, regardless of vaccination status. Guests will be required to wear a mask upon entering and when moving about the restaurant.
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Recommends masks indoors for all visitors. Some designated tours will require masks regardless of vaccine status
- Easton Town Center: Recommends masks inside the Station Building and all restaurant and retail establishments.
- Franklin Park Conservatory: Recommends masks for all visitors in indoor areas.
- Giant Eagle: Strongly recommended for customers, required for employees.
- Home Depot: All employees are required to wear masks nationwide. Customers will be asked to do the same.
- Huntington Park: All fans are required to wear masks in all indoor spaces. Vaccinated people are not required to wear masks outdoors.
- Kroger: Strongly encouraged, regardless of vaccination status
- Lowe’s: All employees required, regardless of vaccination status; customers encouraged.
- North Market: Face masks are mandatory for all merchants and guests, regardless of vaccination status, and should only be taken off when people are seated and actively eating or drinking.
- Target: Strongly recommended for customers, required for employees in areas where transmission is deemed high or substantial.
- Walmart: All employees required, regardless of vaccination status, in areas where transmission is deemed high or substantial.
Some central Ohio businesses and venues have also announced they will be requiring customers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including:
- Natalie's: Beginning Aug. 11, the restaurant will require either proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours prior to entry.
- Spacebar: The music venue will require all eligible attendees to provide physical or photo evidence of the COVID-19 vaccine upon entry.
This story will be updated as more policies are announced.