Now that millions of Americans have received COVID-19 vaccinations, the CDC has updated their guidelines about what is and is not safe for those of us who are fully vaccinated. It turns out, that according to the CDC, it is safe for anyone who is fully vaccinated to do a lot of the things they used to do before the pandemic, such as walk around without wearing a face mask. This includes both outside and inside with a few exceptions. One major exception is where local mask mandates contradict this advice.

Ever since the CDC updated their face mask guidance last week, multiple nationwide retail corporations have updated their face mask guidelines to match. For example, Trader Joe’s, Target and Costco no longer require customers to wear face masks inside their stores, that is, unless it is required by the local government.

There is still a mask mandate in California including the city of Los Angeles. That means that customers who visit a store in Los Angeles still need to wear face masks even if the stores have changed their policies. Actor Ricky Schroder is using social media to fight back.

You may remember Schroder from the 1980s sitcom “Silver Spoons.” More recently, he acted on the show “NYPD Blue.” Now, the actor is using his platform to speak out about things that matter to him. One of those things is freedom, and he apparently feels that being told he needs to wear a face mask at Costco is a way of taking away his freedom.

Recently, Schroder visited a Costco store in Los Angeles, but he didn’t step foot inside. Instead, he interviewed a supervisor at the store named Jason while the store’s manager was refunding him for his membership at the store. Schroder posted the video on Instagram with the caption, “Boycott Costco till they act like a Free American Company…not 🇨🇳.” 

In the video, Schroder asks Jason why he has to wear a face mask when Costco no longer requires them. Jason politely corrected the actor and explained face masks are required at Costco in areas where there is a mask mandate. Jason was patient with the actor, and accurate in his explanation. According to the official statement from Costco, “In those Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require members and guests to wear a face mask or face shield.”

Watch Schroder’s video below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ricky Schroder (@rickyschroder)

In a followup video, Schroder apologized if he hurt Jason’s feelings, and he explained why he made the Costco video. He said, “Jason, nothing personal. I’m not upset with you or anybody in the position like you have, who works for a living. I understand you were following your laws and rules. I was trying to make a point to the corporate overlords and I’m sorry that I had to use you to do it. And if I hurt your feelings, I apologize, but I do think independence from medical tyranny is more important than hurting people’s feelings. So I’m sorry I hurt your feelings, but I want us all to be free.”

Do you think wearing a face mask impacts your freedom? Do you think Schroder hurt Jason’s feelings?