COVID-19: CDC recommends Americans wear masks indoors again
The CDC reversed course and urged even fully vaccinated Americans to wear masks indoors in areas of high COVID-19 transmission.
Staff video, USA TODAY
Walmart and Sam's Club will again require employees to wear masks regardless of vaccination status in COVID hot spots.
The nation's largest retailer announced Friday that stores and clubs will require masks for employees effective immediately.
"Customers are strongly encouraged to wear masks, but not required," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY. Walmart notes the mask requirement for employees is "not applicable in all stores. Managers will refer to the CDC site for updates relevant to their county each Monday."
The move to bring back masks comes 11 weeks after Walmart dropped the requirement for customers and just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new masking guidelines that recommend people vaccinated for the coronavirus start wearing masks indoors again in areas with substantial or high transmission of COVID-19.
►Mask mandates: Will stores require masks again after CDC releases new mask guidelines?
►Costco senior hours: Costco reverses course and will keep reduced senior hours as COVID-19 cases increase nationwide
The new CDC mask guidance also recommends that people with underlying conditions that may make them more susceptible to the coronavirus wear masks, along with anyone residing with vulnerable people.
Apple was the first retailer to put a mask policy back in place for all consumers, including those who are fully vaccinated. However, Apple's policy is only in place at half of its 270 U.S. stores.
Since May, most states have backed off mask requirements for vaccinated people and some lifted their mask mandates for everyone. Several local governments – including Los Angeles County and St. Louis – recently began requiring vaccinated people to again wear masks, citing concerns about the surging delta variant.
►Shopping for new masks?: The CDC is recommending masks for all again—here are the best ones Reviewed tested
►Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
Walmart increases COVID vaccine incentive
Walmart is doubling the vaccine incentive to $150 for employees who get the vaccine, up from $75. Employees who already received the $75 incentive will receive another $75 in their Aug. 19 paycheck.
“We continue to watch with deep concern the developments of the pandemic and the spread of variants, especially the Delta variant. We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change,” Walmart said in a memo to employees, provided to USA TODAY. “We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated.”
This story is developing and will be updated.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez, Jeanine Santucci and Kate Mabus, USA TODAY
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Walmart, Sam's Club bring back mask requirement for employees in COVID hot spots, encourage customers to mask up - USA TODAY"
Post a Comment