Walmart Sets Mask Mandate At Stores Nationwide

Walmart joined a growing list of retailers Wednesday when the company announced it will soon require shoppers to wear masks. The requirement applies to Walmart’s 5,000-plus U.S. stores and includes Sam’s Club locations.

The requirement goes into effect Monday, the company said.

The new rules won't have much of an impact in Pennsylvania, where a public mask mandate is already in place. The company operates 160 Walmart stores and 24 Sam’s Club locations in Pennsylvania.

Walmart joins a growing list of retailers issuing blanket policies requiring mask use by customers. On Tuesday, Best Buy announced it would start requiring masks in all stores. A similar mandate went into effect at Starbucks on Wednesday, and Costco has required masks since May.

While details of the new policy are still being ironed out for Walmart stores, according to The New York Times, the company said Sam’s Club will provide complimentary masks to customers who don’t have one.

In its statement, Walmart said that 65 percent of its stores currently are in areas where there is already some form of government mandate to wear masks.

In addition to posting signage at the front of stores, Walmart has created a new role of "health ambassador," who will be stationed near the entrance to remind those without a mask of the new requirements.