More Hudson Valley retailers are following the latest CDC guidance and allowing vaccinated customers to remove their masks.             

The CDC says it's safe for fully vaccinated people to forgo face coverings and social distancing in most places, both inside and outside, regardless of crowd size. Unvaccinated people must still cover up.

In the wake of new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, some of the nation's largest retail chains are revisiting their mask policies.  Many such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Target are now allowing fully vaccinated customers to shop mask-free, in accordance with the federal guidelines, as long as it does not violate state or local mask mandates.

Meanwhile consumers are trying to figure out how they feel after more than a year of covering up.  "I'm not ready to whip it off just yet, I'm good right now, getting used to it, actually helps with my allergies," says Michael Liebler, of White Plains. It can be a bit confusing since some retailers are still asking customers to wear masks and many require their staff to continue to cover up. "I'm glad things are opening up and getting back to normal, it's just confusing because some stores want them and some stores don't so we're just trying to figure it all out," says Tom Dewer, of Yonkers.

However, many are having their workers and staff continue to wear masks. Not all are falling in step with the no mask rule. Macy's for example is still requiring everyone to cover up.

As far as customers go, some say they're thrilled to be able to unmask, while others say they're just not comfortable with it yet. "It's going to take some time to get used to taking it off. But I think if everyone kind of keeps their distance still and stays safe about it, I think it's exciting," says Mike Simms, of Wappingers.

While it's day two of the new guidelines, many people heading into stores are still wearing their masks, so it may take a while for everyone to figure out the new rules. "It's interesting to see people finally coming out with no masks," says Eugine Rodriguez, of Yonkers

As a reminder, there are still places where masks are required whether you're vaccinated or not, including, public transportation, health care facilities, and schools so it may be a good idea to keep a mask with you.