Walmart and Sam’s Club will now require all its U.S. employees to wear face coverings starting Monday.
That’s according to a memo sent to company employees late Friday from John Furner, president and CEO, Walmart U.S., and Kath McLay, president and CEO of Sam’s Club.
Employees would be permitted to bring their own face masks to work, as long as they meet certain guidelines. The company will also provide workers with masks, according to the memo.
“We will begin requiring that associates wear masks or other face coverings at work. This includes our stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, as well as in our corporate offices,” according to the memo. “We’ll also be encouraging customers and members to wear face coverings when they shop with us.”
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 coronavirus.
The memo also indicated company officials are aware “there may need to be exceptions to this policy based on local laws and individual health needs.”
“We hope this step will promote safety and consistency across all of our facilities and be of comfort to our customers and members,” according to the memo. “However, it’s important to remember that face coverings are simply an additional health precaution.”
The company also announced it is extending its emergency leave policy through the end of May.
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