Walmart mandates masks for all workers in some areas
Source: AP
By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
NEW YORK (AP) Walmart, the nations largest retailer and private employer, is reversing its mask policy and will require all its workers including vaccinated ones in areas with high infection rates to wear masks.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company says it is also encouraging customers to wear masks in those stores in areas with high infection rates and will be adding back signs at the entrances, according to a memo supplied by Walmart that was sent to its employees on Friday. It will also bring back so-called health ambassadors who will be positioned at the entrances and hand out masks.
The company is also doubling the incentive for workers in stores, clubs, transportation, distribution center and fulfillment centers to get the vaccine for $150. Those who already received the $75 incentive will receive another $75 in their paycheck dated Aug 19.
The moves come three days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges.
FILE - In this July 30, 2020 file photo, shoppers wear face masks as they leave a Walmart store in Vernon Hills, Ill. Walmart is reversing its mask policy, Friday, July 30, 2021, and will require vaccinated workers in its distribution centers and stores in areas to wear masks in areas with high infection rates of the virus. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-bdbba6610c582a3c03b329432a484126
peppertree
(21,624 posts)The CDC has real egg on their face - and gave Repugs an unexpected talking point.
dalton99a
(81,455 posts)The nation's largest retailer announced Friday that stores and clubs will require masks for employees effective immediately.
"Customers are strongly encouraged to wear masks, but not required," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY. Walmart notes the mask requirement for employees is "not applicable in all stores. Managers will refer to the CDC site for updates relevant to their county each Monday."
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/07/30/walmart-mask-policy-sams-club-masks-required-employees-covid/5392867001/
Sapient Donkey
(1,568 posts)I don't think I saw any signs, but I wasn't really paying attention. Last time I went there were less than half wearing masks.