Walmart Announces Customer Mask Mandate for All Stores

Earlier this morning, the Walmart corporate office announced that masks will be mandatory for all customers, beginning on Monday, July 20.

Currently, over 65% of Walmart’s 5000-plus stores were in areas with mask mandates already in place by the state or local government.

“To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20. This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday. 

“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,” the company said. “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 have the same mask mandate; however, members will be provided a complimentary mask if they are without one to shop.