OHIO — No matter who is or isn't vaccinated, Giant Eagle is reinstating its mask policy for employees and customers.
"As we witness increases in positive COVID-19 cases across our communities and the country, we are reinstituting the wearing of face masks, cloth face coverings or face shields for team members and guests this week, inclusive of all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals," Giant Eagle said in a statement.
The mask policy will go into effect for employees Wednesday, Aug. 4. The store is encouraging customers to start wearing them Friday, Aug. 6.
For those who don't have a mask, employees will provide one for those who want one. The policy also applies to Market District and GetGo facilities.
The announcement comes as Ohio and many parts of the nation are documenting a rise in COVID-19 cases.
On Friday, the United States had 101,171 confirmed new COVID-19 cases, the most since it recorded 106,732 on Feb. 6, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last week, cases rose around 60% compared to the previous week, according to data from the Ohio Department of Health. In an update Monday night from the CDC, health officials are now urging residents in 67 counties to wear masks. Those counties are labeled as having "substantial" (orange) or "high" (red) levels of community trasmission.
The three major counties — Hamilton, Franklin and Cuyahoga — are in the substantial level, and 17 counties have high community transmission.
Giant Eagle also said it's considering a vaccine policy for employees, but has yet to make a decision.
Vaccinations in Ohio also rose in recent days. On July 30, more than 9,900 Ohioans received the first dose — the most recorded in a single day since June, according to state data.