All Walmart stores to require face coverings starting next week

Courtesy Walmart

Beginning July 20, all Walmart stores across the country will require shoppers to wear face coverings.

About 65 percent of Walmart’s more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings, including North Carolina.

“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,” Walmart said in a news release. “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 addition to posting clear signage at the front of all stores, Walmart has created the role of Health Ambassador and will station them near the entrance to remind those without a mask of the new requirements.

“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,” the release said. :We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.”

To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance.

“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,” the release 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.”

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com