Walmart to allow fully vaccinated employees, shoppers go maskless
WASHINGTON (SBG) — After new mask-wearing guidelines were issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, America's biggest retailer will allow employees and customers to go maskless, only if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Walmart Friday announced that beginning on Tuesday, May 18, workers and shoppers will not need to wear a mask inside all stores nationwide. The company will also give all employees who decide to get vaccinated a $75 bonus "as a thank you for getting vaccinated," the company said in a corporate memo. The bonus applies to "all current U.S. field-based Walmart, Sam’s Club and Supply Chain associates (hourly and salaried) below the level of store manager," the company said.
On Thursday, the CDC changed its mask-wearing guidelines for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to go without a mask in most indoor places. To be considered fully vaccinated, it must have been two weeks since a person received their second dose of either the Pfizer of Moderna vaccine, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
In its corporate memo, Walmart stated the following rules for wearing masks in its stores:
- "Unvaccinated associates must still wear face coverings, per CDC guidance. We are also reviewing whether masks may still be required for certain job codes for health and sanitation purposes and will share additional guidance soon. Some associates may choose to continue to wear masks, and as part of our value of respect for the individual, we should all support their right to do so.
- "Beginning today, vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask, and we will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs. We will update the signage in our facilities to reflect this.
- "Masks will also continue to be required by some city and state ordinances, and we will follow those requirements. There may also be local conditions, regulatory changes or laws that affect our guidance. We will be communicating with your local store, club, or facility management team as regulations change so they can keep you informed."
The company stated to its employees:
These are positive developments. We can do this. We’ve been through a lot this year, and now we need to do our part to finish this. We encourage you to get vaccinated and to tell your friends and fellow associates. Thank you to all of you who have already chosen to make a difference and thank you to all of you who will choose to do so now.
Folks don't have to go far to get vaccinated as Walmart is offering free vaccines in all of their Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies nationwide.
