McDonald's again requiring masks as Delta variant spreads COVID-19

As the COVID-19 Delta variant spreads nationwide, McDonald's workers and customers alike will have to wear masks again — regardless of their vaccination status — with the fast-food chain reinstating the policy at most of its more than 14,000 restaurants across the U.S.

The restaurant giant confirmed that it is reimposing the requirement following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calling for masks inside public places in areas with high or substantial transmission of the coronavirus. Nearly 80% of U.S. counties currently fall into those categories, according to the CDC. McDonald's had dropped its mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers in May, while maintaining the mandate for unvaccinated patrons and workers. The company is among a slew of large employers revamping their vaccination and masking rules as the so-called Delta variant spurs a resurgence in COVID-19 cases across the U.S.