By Dave Sebastian

Target Corp. and CVS Health Corp. said they will require customers to wear masks or face coverings inside their stores, joining a chorus of retailers and state leaders deciding that masks are needed to battle the surge in Covid-19 cases.

Target will start implementing the policy Aug. 1, and CVS on July 20, the companies said Thursday.

Target said more than 80% of its stores have already required customers to wear face coverings, in accordance with local regulations. The new requirement will exclude those with underlying medical conditions and young children, the company said.

Target said it will provide masks for customers who didn't bring one, with employees stationed at entrances to remind customers to wear masks. CVS employees won't "play the role of enforcer," CVS Chief Operating Officer Jon Roberts said.

"What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering," Mr. Roberts said.

Walmart Inc., Kroger Co., Best Buy Co. and Starbucks Corp. are among the companies that are also adopting mask rules. 



  Write to Dave Sebastian at dave.sebastian@wsj.com 


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  07-16-20 1141ET