Many of the nation’s largest retailers are implementing in-store mask requirements to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, even in states that haven’t yet mandated their use.

Nearly half of all U.S. states have mask mandates, according to the Washington Post. But brands including Walmart, Kohl’s, Kroger and CVS will require the use of face coverings in all their locations – with many of the chain-wide policies beginning the week of July 20.

With the increase in #COVID19 cases across the country, we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. pic.twitter.com/r9WPD3QNFa

— Kroger News (@KrogerNews) July 15, 2020

In a Tuesday, July 14 statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called on Americans to wear masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting,” said Robert Redfield, CDC director, in a statement. “All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”

Many retailers have been requiring the use of masks for months. Retailers like Costco and Apple stores mandated masks back in early May. Starbucks, Best Buy and Panera Bread recently announced mask requirements. Target will begin mandating masks at all its stores Aug. 1.

In Walmart’s announcement, the country’s largest retailer said that about 65% of its more than 5,000 stores and clubs were located in areas that already have some form of government mask mandate. The new policy at the store will “help bring consistency across stores and clubs.”

To best serve our communities and protect the health and safety of our shoppers and associates, face coverings will be required in all stores beginning Monday, July 20. For more on our decision and policy, please see here: https://t.co/r2ijRqslNP pic.twitter.com/pKYQCzk48l

— Walmart (@Walmart) July 15, 2020

The National Retail Federation, a trade group for retailers, lauded Walmart’s announcement, hoping that it would be a “tipping point” and encouraged other stores to take similar measures. “Workers serving customers should not have to make a critical decision as to whether they should risk exposure to infection or lose their jobs because a minority of people refuse to wear masks in order to help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus,” the NRF wrote in a statement.

Since the pandemic began, many promotional products companies have pivoted to manufacturing and selling masks and other personal protective equipment. As mask requirements have become more universal, the industry has shifted away from simply offering utilitarian coverings and begun to experiment with unique ways to decorate and brand their PPE items.