Shoppers at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will soon be required to wear a mask. The companies made the announcement in a press release Wednesday morning.
The companies say as the number of confirmed cases has spiked in communities across the country recently, so too have the number and types of face covering mandates being implemented. Currently, about 65% of their more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings. To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, they will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday. This will give them time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols.
Walmart and Sam’s Clubs say, “While we’re certainly not the first business to require face coverings, we know this is a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities. According to the CDC, face coverings help decrease the spread of COVID-19, and because the virus can be spread by people who don’t have symptoms and don’t know they are infected, it’s critically important for everyone to wear a face covering in public and social distance.”
Both Walmart will create the position of health ambassador who will be stationed near entrances and remind those without a mask of the new requirements. All Walmart stores will have a single entrance to ensure consistency.
At Sam’s Clubs, complimentary masks will be provided if the member doesn’t have one. Masks will also be available for purchase in the club.
The companies say, “We know some people have differing opinions on this topic. We also recognize the role we can play to help protect the health and well-being of the communities we serve by following the evolving guidance of health officials like the CDC. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our customers and members in wearing face coverings to protect their safety and the safety of our associates.”
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