Walmart Returns to Mandatory Mask Policy for All Retail Employees

Updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for fully vaccinated people from July 27 have prompted Walmart to revise its policy regarding wearing face coverings in its stores. The largest retailer in the world has again made it mandatory for all of its employees to wear masks in stores, clubs, and distribution centers in areas with substantial or high COVID-19 infection rates and where there are state or local face-covering mandates.

In May, the retailer announced that immunized employees were allowed to work without masks. On July 30, this decision was reversed.

The move came as US health officials said that even Americans who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus should go back to wearing face coverings in indoor public places in counties where the virus is spreading rapidly.

Walmart’s memo also indicated that the company’s retail workers would post signage at its stores asking customers to wear masks, practice social distancing, and make payments using their debit or credit cards rather than cash.

Furthermore, Walmarts has announced that all of its workers will receive a $150 incentive for getting inoculated against COVID-19. This is double the amount the retailer has previously been offering, and those who have already received $75 will get the rest in their August paychecks.

The memo also states it has been made a part of store managers’ job to regularly check the CDC website for potential changes to public health recommendations and mask guidance in their locations.

Doug McMillon, the company’s CEO, told corporate staff and managers they must be vaccinated by October 4.

“We want to get to a place where we can use our offices and be together safely. It’s important for our business, our culture, our speed, and our innovation,” McMillon said.

Publix, another supermarket chain, has also made it mandatory for all employees to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status. Florida-based retailer The Lakeland is also urging all shoppers to use face coverings, even though they aren’t required to do so in all US counties.