Walmart Announces That Employees Will Be Required To Wear Masks

Walmart announced that employees will be required to wear masks or other face coverings at work as a part of their response to COVID-19.

On Saturday, Walmart officials said that employees working in stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, as well as in our corporate offices will all be required to wear masks and that customers and members would be encouraged to do the same.

"We have evolved our policy on face coverings from optional to mandatory as public health guidance has shifted. The CDC now recommends wearing face coverings in public settings, including grocery stores, to help curb the spread of the virus. Although most state and local governments do not mandate the use of face coverings in public settings, the CDC has reported that recent studies show a significant portion of individuals with the virus lack symptoms and can transmit the virus. With this knowledge, we believe it is simply in everyone’s best interest to use masks or face coverings to curb the spread of this disease," said John Furner President and CEO of Walmart and Kath McLay, President and CEO of Sam's Club.

Walmart also announced that it will be extending its emergency leave policy through the end of May.