As of Monday, July 20, 2020, all shoppers at Walmart and Sam’s Club will be required to wear masks nationwide. The announcement will give stores time to inform customers and members of the changes, train associates on the new protocols and post signage. There are numerous places that have the N95 mask for sale where one can go to avail their masks.
“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,” a spokesperson for the company said. “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.”
Over 5,000 or roughly 65% of stores and clubs nationwide are in areas where there is already a face-covering mandate by the government mandate.
All Walmart stores will have Health Ambassadors, in black polo shirts, stationed at the entrance to remind customers without a mask of their new requirements. They will help customers who show up without a face covering to find a solution. All stores will have a single entrance.
Sam’s Club associates will follow the same process with members, reminding them, at the entrance, of the new requirement to wear a face-covering. If the member does not have one, one will be provided.
The multinational retail corporation is aware that not everyone can wear a face covering, and their associates are trained about these exceptions to help reduce friction for the shoppers.