As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to spike across the nation and locally, Walmart and Kroger have announced all customers will be required to wear face coverings in order to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Walmart officials made the announcement Wednesday that currently about 65 percent of its more than 5,000 stores or Sam’s Clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings. Officials said to help bring consistency across stores and clubs, they will require all shoppers to wear a face-covering beginning Monday, July 20. They added this will give them time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage, and train associates on new protocols.
In addition to posting signage at the front of Walmart stores, officials said they have created the role of Health Ambassador who will be stationed near the entrance to remind those without a mask of the store’s new requirements. Officials added the ambassadors will be wearing black polo shirts and will work with customers who show up at a store without a face mask to try and find a solution. To help ensure consistency with this new process, officials noted all stores will have a single entrance.
Following Walmart’s announcement, Kroger announced it would also require face masks in all stores. Officials said all customers will be required to wear a mask when shopping in Kroger stores beginning Wednesday, July 22. Officials added they are taking this extra step now because they recognize “additional precautions are needed to protect our country”.
Kroger officials said they respect and acknowledge some customers, due to medical reasons, may not be able to wear a mask, and added small children are exempt. Officials encourage those customers to consider an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering. If customers are unable to do so, officials request that using the store’s e-commerce services like pickup or delivery.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order last Friday, July 10, requiring everyone in the state to wear face masks when out in public. The mandate is effective for 30 days, at which time the governor said he would review the COVID-19 data and determine if the face mask requirement would need to be extended.
