Update, 4 p.m.: Kroger announced Wednesday that it will require all customers to wear face masks inside its stores nationwide.
“We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country,” the nation’s largest grocery chain said in a statement.
Kroger said it would make an exception for customers with medical needs as well as small children.
Previously:
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Beginning next week, Walmart and Sam’s Club will require customers to wear masks while in their stores, calling the move ‘a simple step to help keep you safe,’ according to a recent announcement by the company on their website and on social media.
“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. 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,” said a release on Walmart’s website.
To best serve our communities and protect the health and safety of our shoppers and associates, face coverings will be required in all stores beginning Monday, July 20. For more on our decision and policy, please see here: https://t.co/r2ijRqslNP pic.twitter.com/pKYQCzk48l
— Walmart (@Walmart) July 15, 2020
The decision comes as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise across the country. As of July 14 in Montgomery County, there were 564 active cases and one new hospitalization related to coronavirus. Walmart also said their decision was motivated by a large number of locations already operating under mask mandates from local and state governments.
“As the number of confirmed cases has spiked in communities across the country recently, so too have the number and types of face covering mandates being implemented. Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings,” the release said.
As a further precaution, Walmart locations will also feature a “health ambassador,” to be stationed near store entrances to remind customers of current practices, including mask requirements. Health Ambassadors can be identified by their black polo shirts. Walmart locations will also limit traffic to a singe store entrance.
Walmart referred to these new precautions as a ‘simple step’ to protect the health of customers.
“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. 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.”
Sam’s Club will follow the same process as Walmart. Club members will be provided complimentary masks if they do not have their own.
Walmart also expressed understanding for those customers unable to wear a mask in stores.
“We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone,” the release said.
Mask requirements will go into effect on Monday, July 20.