These Borderland retailers and public places still require masks — for now, despite CDC easing rules

EL PASO, Texas -- Many of the nation’s largest retailers who do business in the Borderland say they will keep requiring masks in their stores despite eased national guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

In addition, numerous public places locally will still require masks including:

• City and County of El Paso buildings (except Rec Centers while exercising)
• Public transportation: Sun Metro buses and the El Paso International Airport
• School buildings for El Paso, Socorro and Ysleta ISDs

Now, here's the list we've compiled of those companies who are keeping mask mandates for now (in alphabetical order)...

Cielo Vista Mall

Simon Property Group, which has shopping centers, malls and retail properties in 37 states - including El Paso's Cielo Vista Mall, said Friday that it will continued to require employees, retailer employees and shoppers to wear masks, as well as provide free face coverings upon request, according to Houston's KHOU-TV.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy told the Washington Post it is evaluating its in-store mask policy based on the latest CDC guidance, but currently still requires face masks.

“The safety of our employees and customers will continue to guide our decision-making process,” a CVS spokesperson said. The company said until its evaluation is completed, its existing policies on face masks will remain in effect.

HOME DEPOT

The home improvement retailer Home Depot told the Washington Post it has not changed its current Covid-19 rules. Home Depot’s current guidance requires shoppers to wear masks and promotes social distancing.

STARBUCKS

A representative for Starbucks said its coffee shops will keep their existing policy mandating all customers and employees wear masks, CNN reported. Starbucks has required masks for customers since last July.

TARGET

Shoppers at Target will still need to wear a mask, a spokesperson told USA Today.

In a statement Thursday night, the company said it "will continue to require all of our coronavirus safety measures in all stores, including masks and social distancing" while Target reviews the guidance from the CDC.

T.J. MAXX

TJX Cos. — which includes T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods — will continue to require shoppers to wear masks, a spokesperson for the company told the Miami Herald.

“We are monitoring this matter closely, and at this time require associates and customers to wear face coverings while in our U.S. stores,” the spokesperson said.

WALGREENS

Because Walgreen’s is a Covid-19 vaccination and testing center, it is keeping its mask policies in place “for the time being,” a spokesperson told the Miami Herald.

“The safety of our team members and customers is our top priority and will continue to guide our decision process,” the spokesperson said.