JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's a long-awaited change thanks to the millions of people who have gotten vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.
The guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, and hospitals but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues.
First Coast News reached out to several businesses across the First Coast to see how they were approaching the new guidelines and if they are changing their mandatory mask policy.
Southeastern Grocers /Winn Dixie
"As Southeastern Grocers continues to navigate through the complexities of the pandemic, we have progressively shaped our operations and will continue to update our policies, including mask mandates, to protect those who depend upon us," said Joe Caldwell, Director of Corporate Communications and Government Relations for Southeastern Grocers: "
We are currently reviewing our store safety protocols and will share more details as soon as they are finalized. We ask our customers for their patience and flexibility as we continue to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities."
City of Jacksonville
The city says this new mandate will not have an impact as masks are currently optional at City Hall and in meetings.
Home Depot
Home Depot has not updated its mask policy but the company says it will follow up if anything changes.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Since re-opening in May 2020, guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks, but it is not required. The update from the CDC has not affected protocol.
Disney World
Though not on the First Coast, the "Happiest Place on Earth" has started letting more people into its theme parks after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made the announcement Thursday around mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people.
During an earnings call Thursday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the parks had already started to raise capacity limits with the CDC's guidance and guidance that came from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
First Coast News is waiting to hear back from other businesses.
Is your business changing your mask policy? Email us at news@firstcoastnews.com.