NRF Responds to New CDC Mask Recommendation

WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that fully vaccinated people again wear masks indoors in COVID-19 hot spots.

'Public health and safety is always the number one priority for retailers large and small. To be sure, retailers will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and other public health experts to protect our associates, their families and our customers. We want every business to remain open, we want to keep people employed, and we want to ensure that consumers have access to the goods and services they expect and need.

'It is truly unfortunate that mask recommendations have returned when the surest known way to reduce the threat of the virus is widespread vaccination. The CDC's latest guidance underscores the urgency for more Americans to become fully vaccinated so we can all emerge from this pandemic.'

About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world's largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs - 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.