Amazon rolled back mask compulsion for its warehouse workers as Covid-19 pandemic cases and hospitalizations are declining nationwide.
Amazon sent notice to workers on Sunday, “Starting Tuesday, face masks will be optional for workers across all U.S. operations facilities, regardless of their vaccination status, unless mandated by state or local law. This announcement is an exciting step in our path to normal operations.”
Amazon said that it still suggests unvaccinated employees wear the mask. It expressed that any workers that choose to wear a mask are welcome to do so.
Last month, Amazon revived the mask mandate amid an increase in Covid-19 pandemic cases due to the transmissible omicron variant. Amazon has not made vaccines compulsory for its workers.
Target and Tyson Foods companies have also loosened their policies on the mask in recent weeks as covid infections are declining.
The CDC Friday released new guidance about the mask and allowed removing face coverings as long as Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in their respective communities remain low. Today, more than 70% of Americans reside in areas where it is not required to wear masks.