Walmart begins requiring customers to wear face masks in stores

Walmart has become the latest nationwide retailer to require customers to wear face masks in its stores amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The requirement went into effect Monday.

Walmart will post clear signage at the front of stores indicating the requirement.

Additionally, Walmart has created the role of Health Ambassador. Employees in that role will be stationed near the entrance of stores to remind those without a mask of the new requirements.

Walmart says its Health Ambassadors have received special training to help make the process “as smooth as possible for customers.”

Health Ambassadors will be identifiable by their black polo shirts and will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution.

“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,” a press release from Walmart states.

“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 continued.