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How Northeast Ohio businesses are responding to dropped health orders

While some stores require vaccination to drop masks, others are keeping policies in place.

CLEVELAND — A sign at Geiger's clothing and sporting goods store in Lakewood says you're free to shop without a mask, but only if you're vaccinated, have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing one, or are under the age of 2.

"We still want people to have a good experience and a safe experience in our stores. All of our staff is vaccinated," owner Gordon Geiger said.

Still, Geiger says the store supports whatever makes customers feel safe.

"No mask shaming here at all. If they want to wear it and feel more comfortable, terrific. If they don't and feel comfortable, that's great, too," Geiger told us.

And, just down the street from Geiger's, The Place to Be restaurant is operating at full capacity. But, they're leaving it up to customers about wearing masks.

"I look to the people. If they are comfortable to come in without masks, that's fine. If they're not comfortable and want to wear a mask, that's fine," owner Maria Angelokostopoulos said.

For shoppers, masks are dropped for vaccinated customers at major chains like Costco, Giant Eagle and Whole Foods. 

Yet, some local businesses say they're not quite ready to get rid of their masks. Studio 6A Salon and Spa in Westlake says its policy is staying put for now to keep staff and clientele safe.

"We're just so close to each guest at the shampoo bowls, at our stations. If we're doing bangs or really in their personal space, we just want to protect everybody as we figure out what's happening and everyone is moving forward," Nicole Wheeler, co-owner of Studio 6A told us.

As people move forward, there's hope we're also moving in the right direction.

"We all want to get back to normal," Geiger said.

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