Share it UPDATE: March 9, 2021: Albertsons has reversed its decision to make mask-wearing by shoppers in its Texas stores optional as the state prepares to lift its mask mandate. The grocer said it changed course because its employees have not all had the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19. “We will continue to look to the CDC’s recommendations to determine our safety practices and look forward to the vaccine being readily available not only to front line teams but to the general population in the coming months,” Albertsons said in a March 5 statement. Dive Brief: Grocers that operate in Texas are taking varying approaches to the Tuesday decision by Gov. Greg Abbott to end the state’s mask mandate as of March 10, with some stores continuing to require people to cover their faces when on their premises while others drop the requirement, according to company officials and media reports.