The American retail giant Walmart announced on Friday that, in accordance with new recommendations from health authorities in the United States, customers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to wear masks to prevent the virus. This policy will also apply to employees starting next week.
The company stated that "effective immediately, vaccinated customers and members can shop without a mask, and we will continue to require unvaccinated customers and members to wear face coverings in our stores and clubs."
The announcement noted that the exemption for customers and employees from wearing masks does not apply in stores located in cities and areas where mask mandates are enforced. Walmart clarified in its statement that employees who received the vaccine two weeks prior can stop wearing masks starting May 18, adding that it will provide a $75 bonus for each employee who proves they have been vaccinated.
On Thursday, U.S. health authorities announced that vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks indoors but recommended they continue to wear masks on public transportation (including airplanes, buses, and trains), as well as in airports and train stations.
Walmart is the largest retail chain in the United States and one of the largest employers in the country, with around 1.5 million employees. The company saw a rise in sales in 2020 despite the pandemic's impact on various economic sectors.
