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Omaha Steve

(99,600 posts)
Fri Jul 30, 2021, 12:46 PM Jul 2021

Walmart mandates masks for all workers in some areas

Source: AP

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart, the nation’s 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

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Walmart mandates masks for all workers in some areas (Original Post) Omaha Steve Jul 2021 OP
Don't leave home without it peppertree Jul 2021 #1
Masks will still be optional for customers dalton99a Jul 2021 #2
I stopped by my local walmart (DFW, Texas) and I noticed the majority of people had on masks Sapient Donkey Jul 2021 #3

peppertree

(21,624 posts)
1. Don't leave home without it
Fri Jul 30, 2021, 01:16 PM
Jul 2021

The CDC has real egg on their face - and gave Repugs an unexpected talking point.

dalton99a

(81,455 posts)
2. Masks will still be optional for customers
Fri Jul 30, 2021, 01:47 PM
Jul 2021
Walmart and Sam's Club will again require employees to wear masks regardless of vaccination status in COVID hot spots.

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)
3. I stopped by my local walmart (DFW, Texas) and I noticed the majority of people had on masks
Fri Jul 30, 2021, 03:36 PM
Jul 2021

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.

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