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Beginning Monday, Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the nation will be mandating facial coverings for shoppers entering their facilities.
This move comes as the United States faces an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 25 states and the District of Columbia having instituted requirements for face coverings in public areas.
“Currently about 65% of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings,” said Dacona Smith, chief operating officer at Walmart U.S. and Lance de la Rosa, chief operating officer at Sam’s Club in a joint letter Wednesday. “To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering.”
In Union County, Emergency Management Director Jo Anne Duckworth said she believes mask requirements are a good precaution for businesses, and that other such places should consider what further actions they can do to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I think it’s a good thing,” said Duckworth. “Anything to prevent the spread. Masks have been proven (to help). People aren’t very good at figuring out what six feet is. So anything that can help prevent that community spread is a good thing.”
The delay in beginning the requirement is to allow shoppers and employees to be aware of the changes, as well as providing additional time to train associates on new protocols. Even though many businesses have also decided to take such precautions, such as Starbucks, Kohl’s and Kroger, Walmart’s status as the largest employer in the U.S. makes them the biggest company to enforce such mandate.
“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,” said Smith and de la Rosa. “According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 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.”
Additionally, Walmart will be posting clear signage at the front of its stores, and the company has created a new role known as a health ambassador, who will be stationed near the entrance of the stores to remind those without masks of the new rules.
“Our ambassadors will receive special training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers. The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution,” said Smith and de la Rosa.
Currently, Walmart is considering solutions for such situations. According to the CDC, children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear facial masks.
The company said they are aware that not everyone is able to wear a face covering and will train associates on those exceptions to help reduce potential friction and keep the process simple for everyone. However, it remains uncertain as to how associates will verify those who have legitimate reason to not wear a mask.
However, Walmart said they anticipate that a majority of shoppers will readily and willingly comply to the new requirement.
“We know some people have differing opinions on this topic,” said Smith and de la Rosa. “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.”