Mask Mandatory In Walmart Across the U.S.

SAN ANGELO, TX —Walmart and Sam’s Club announced that beginning Monday, July 20, face coverings will be required for customers shopping at their stores.

According to the chain, about 65 percent of stores and clubs are currently located in areas where a certain type of mask mandate is currently in effect.

“To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face-covering starting Monday, July 20. This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage, and train associates on the new protocols.”

“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. According to the CDC, 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.”

In order to enforce the mask mandate, Walmart has created the role of Health Ambassador. These employees will be tasked with reminding customers of the mask requirement near the entrances.

“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. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.”

In order to ensure stores across the country are compliant, all stores will now have a single entrance. 

Associates at Sam’s Clubs will follow the same process and politely remind members of the face-covering requirement. Complimentary masks will be provided if the member doesn’t have one or members can purchase masks in the club.

“We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone.”

“As we have seen in states and municipalities with mask mandates, virtually everyone either brings a mask or readily complies with the requirement, and we anticipate that to happen in other areas as well.”

“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. 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.”