Amazon will end its mask requirement for vaccinated employees in the US

• Starting May 24, Amazon will no longer require most vaccinated workers to wear masks at work.
• Employees may be required to present a copy of their vaccine cards.
• The move comes as big companies like Walmart and Target are dropping mask requirements.

On Monday May 24, Amazon will nix its mask requirement for fully vaccinated operations employees in the US. Exceptions will apply to employees in states or localities that retain mask mandates. In communications sent to workers, the e-commerce giant said that "all other COVID-19 Safety protocols remain the same at this time."

The company sent out a push notification on its internal A to Z app that said maskless employees must be "14 or more days past your final dose of vaccine (the second dose in a 2-dose series for Pfizer or Moderna or single dose for Johnson & Johnson) and have a copy of your vaccine card."

Amazon isn't alone in changing its policies. Most states are relaxing their mask rules, and plenty of brick-and-mortar retailers, including Costco, are dropping mask requirements for shoppers, and Walmart has extended the policy to vaccinated employees as well.

In terms of rolling out its new policy, Amazon is asking workers to enter their vaccine information onto the A to Z app, as well as claim their $40 per dose benefit. Currently, the company also has listed a number of regions where masks will still be required, for the time being, regardless of employees' vaccination status.

"Fully vaccinated associates will receive a green check mark screen in A to Z starting later this week," the message to employees said. "Show your green check mark screen when you enter your site, typically at the temperature check location, and you can enter and work without wearing a face covering (where local law permits at your site - keep checking for regular updates in the coming days)."

Amazon plans to distribute badge stickers of green check marks to vaccinated workers in early June. By mid-June, the company will ask its workers to upload images of their vaccine cards to A to Z.

"A HUGE thank you to everyone who has and continues to prioritize our COVID-19 safety measures," the message to employees read. "The last 14 months have not always been easy, but your dedication continues to be appreciated by leaders and customers across the country. We cannot wait to see your smile."

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