Walmart in the United States will require all employees to wear masks. The new policy to try and curb the spread of COVID-19 begins Monday and will apply to associates in the retail giant’s stores, distribution centres and corporate offices. The company said the policy change on face coverings from optional to mandatory was made given the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that people wear masks in public places.

No such action is being taken by Walmart Canada.

“The safety of our associates and customers is our number one priority. Though masks are not mandatory for associates at this time, many associates are choosing to wear them,” said spokesman Adam Grachnik. “Walmart Canada has also been distributing PPE (personal protective equipment) such as masks, gloves and face shields for associates to use. In a further safety effort, we will soon be rolling out temperature checks for associates in our stores. The temperature checks are starting this week in our distribution centres. We also have a number of other in-store safety measures such as plexiglass in high-traffic areas and other physical distancing measures.

Walmart employs over 1.5 million people in the U.S.

Tags: Covid-19, ppe, Stay Informed, Stay Safe, Walmart Canada