Walmart and Sam’s Club customers will soon be required to put on a mask or face covering before shopping in stores. Walmart announced the new policy today (July 15th) and said it will take effect July 20. According to their statement, the majority of its approximately 5,000 stores and clubs — about 65% — are in areas where there’s already some kind of government requirement for face coverings. Walmart and Sam's Club said that requiring masks 'is a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities.' The new requirement will take effect Monday, July 20 across the U.S, Walmart COO Dacona Smith and Sam's Club COO Lance de la Rosa said in a joint statement.
With the new policy, Walmart joins a growing list of retailers nationwide that are requiring masks inside of stores. Best Buy started requiring face coverings in its stores Wednesday. Costco and Apple already had the requirement.