Here’s the list of retailers, grocers, and factories maintaining mask rules while states loosen COVID-19 restrictions

• Companies are saying they’ll continue requiring masks despite loosened restrictions in some states.
• Grocery chain Lidl said customers will be required to wear masks “without exception.” 
• Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

States have begun loosening COVID-19 restrictions, but several retailers, carmakers, and grocery stores have said they’re sticking with their mask rules, for now. 

On March 3, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order that would end the state’s mask mandate on March 10. Other states, like Mississippi, Iowa, North Dakota, and Montana, have already lifted their mask requirements, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned against loosening restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Several big box companies, including McDonald’s, Target and Macy’s, said they would still require masks in states where face coverings are no longer required.

Insider put together the list of companies that have made statements so far:

Know of a company not on this list that’s still requiring masks? Email Natasha, the reporter of this piece, at [email protected].

McDonald's

McDonald's said it's not planning on reopening dining rooms or making changes to its COVID-19 mask policy right away. In an emailed statement to Insider, the fast-food chain said it will continue to follow the advice of experts in putting customer and employee safety first, and it will keep assessing positivity and case rates in each market. 

Kroger

A company spokesperson said the grocer will require customers and employees to wear masks masks until all its frontline workers receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Target

Target told Insider it will still require all customers and employees to wear masks in all US stores. Even workers who have received the COVID-19 vaccine have to wear masks and social distance. The store said it will provide staff with reusable and disposable masks. 

Macy's

Like Target, Macy's said it isn't changing its rules requiring customers and employees to wear masks, the department store told Reuters.

Lidl

Lidl said in a Tweet workers and customers over the age of 2 are still required to wear masks, "without exception." The store said it must "maintain vigilance against new variants" of the COVID-19 virus. 

Toyota

Toyota told Insider it intends to maintain its COVID-19 protocols, including the use of face masks, even after the new Texas order. The Japanese carmaker, which has its US headquarters in Plano and a factory in San Antonio, employs 7,000 people in the state. 

General Motors

General Motors, which has about 13,500 workers in Texas, said to protect employees, it will continue its workplace safety protocols, including mask wearing