Smith’s Drops Mask Mandate For Vaccinated Shoppers

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Smith’s Food and Grocery will no longer require fully vaccinated customers to wear a mask. The change goes into effect Thursday.

The grocery store chain said the decision followed recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Customers who still prefer to wear a mask were encouraged to do so.

Smith’s, which is owned by the Kroger Company, will continue to follow COIVID-19 cleaning and social distancing recommendations, according to a news release.

Kroger Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marc Watkins said, “Every step of the way, our most urgent priority has been the health and safety of our associates and customers, and we have consistently leveraged expert guidance and associate and customer feedback to guide our decisions. That focus continues today as we look ahead to a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Most vaccinated employees can skip masks but workers in the pharmacy will have to continue with masks.

If a local face mask mandate is in place, customers will be required to wear masks.

The news release said Smiths will pay a $100 bonus to any employee who gets the recommended doses of the vaccine and the company reminded customers that they can schedule an appointment online or walk in for a shot.

You can also click here to sign up for a vaccine.