Walmart stores nation wide will soon require masks to shop

Walmart announced today that it will require shoppers to wear a face covering starting on July 20 in all stores and clubs across the U.S.

The new policy is in place to help bring consistency, the company said. This move by the nation’s largest retailer comes as coronavirus cases have surged across the country.

About 65 percent of Walmart’s 5,000 stores are located in areas where there is already a form of mandate on face coverings.

“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,” Dacona Smith, Walmart U.S. chief operating officer, and Lance de la Rosa, Sam’s Club chief operating officer, wrote in a press release.

Walmart created a health ambassador position for each store. The ambassador will be stationed near the entrance of stores and will work with customers who show up without a covering. Along with the ambassador, there will be clear signage, to remind people without a mask of the new policy.