Stores to take extra safety measures

A sign requiring shoppers to wear a mask sits at the entrance of Walmart Neighborhood Market on Richmond Road. A worker sits next to the door monitoring how many customers are in the store.
A sign requiring shoppers to wear a mask sits at the entrance of Walmart Neighborhood Market on Richmond Road. A worker sits next to the door monitoring how many customers are in the store.

All Walmart and Sam's Club stores will have one entrance open when the face mask requirement goes into effect on Monday, according to information released.

Health ambassadors, employees that will be at the front of the store wearing black polo shirts, will receive special training as well.

"Our Health Ambassadors are receiving special de-escalation training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers. They will work with customers who show up without a face covering to try and find a solution," said Rebecca Thomason, corporate communications.

"Since it may not be possible for all customers to wear masks, our Ambassadors are also trained on how to best handle exceptions to reduce friction and make the process as easy as possible for everyone."

"We are also considering what other options can be available when this requirement takes effect on July 20. Our goal is to keep our associates from physical confrontations," she said.

The retail giant had its reasons for putting the requirement in place.

"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," according to a press release.

"At Sam's Clubs, associates at the entrance will follow the same process with members, politely reminding them of our requirement to wear a face covering when shopping with us. Complimentary masks will be provided if the member doesn't have one. Or members can purchase masks in the club," according to a press release.

Clear signage will be posted at the front of stores.

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