Walmart, Apple reverse mask policies. What are Fort Worth businesses planning?

David Silva Ramirez
·3 min read

Many Fort Worth businesses are pondering their COVID-19 protocols after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course on its masking recommendations earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the CDC announced that it is recommending vaccinated Americans to wear masks indoors in areas with substantial or high transmission, weeks after the agency said that fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear face masks.

This comes as the coronavirus’ delta variant surges across the country. This week, CDC reported that about 50% of counties in the U.S. have a high level of virus transmission.

The agency said in a report Friday that vaccinated people infected with the delta variant could still spread the virus.

Tarrant County saw more than five times as many new cases last week compared to the low point of cases at the beginning of June.



But as the CDC changed its recommendations, local governments in Texas can do little to require masks, leaving the decision to businesses and individuals.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced an executive order Wednesday that makes it harder for local officials to require face coverings, saying that “the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates.”



Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, changed its mask policy Friday to require all employees in high infection areas to wear masks.

“We continue to watch with deep concern the developments of the pandemic and the spread of variants,” Donna Morris, Walmart’s executive vice president and chief people officer, said in the memo to employees. “We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change. We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated.”

Apple also changed its policy and will start requiring employees and customers to wear masks in high infection areas.

Many major retailers have not announced updated policies, but experts believe that could quickly change.

Some Fort Worth businesses and attractions are considering a mask policy change in light of the new CDC recommendations.

Martin House Brewing Company’s taproom said a mask policy has been a discussion for the brewery, but no changes have been made.

Marty Travis, general manager at Billy Bob’s Texas, said the establishment supports people who do or don’t wear masks, but said it can be difficult to mandate, especially if there’s no way to track who is or isn’t vaccinated.



“We really don’t want to mandate it with no government backing,” he said.

Business mask policies

  • Walmart and Sam’s Club requires all employees to wear masks in high infection areas. Costumers are not required.

  • McDonald’s requires all employees to wear masks. Costumers are not required. Its policy has remain unchanged since the CDC made it’s announcement Tuesday.

  • Apple requires all employees and costumers to wear masks in high infection areas.

  • Target does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Starbucks requires all employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Chili’s Grill & Bar not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Outback Steakhouse does not require masks for costumers. Masks are required for employees.

  • Red Lobster does not require masks for costumers. Masks are required for employees.

  • Omni Fort Worth Hotel does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Kimbell Art Museum does not require vaccinated visitors to wear masks, but those who are not vaccinated are required to wear them.

  • Fort Worth Zoo does not require employees or costumers to wear masks.

  • Sprouts Farmers Market does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Billy Bob’s Texas does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Martin House Brewing Company does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Trinity College Irish Pub does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.

  • Flying Saucer Draught Emporium does not require masks for costumers. Masks are required for unvaccinated employees.

  • Heim Barbecue on the River does not require employees and costumers to wear masks.