Walmart said on Friday that vaccinated customers and employees would not be required to wear masks in its U.S. stores until state or municipal rules mandate them to do so.
Vaccinated customers can go without masks starting Friday, according to the company. Staff who have been vaccinated will stop wearing them on Tuesday. Walmart also stated that as a bonus, it would pay employees $75 if they show that they have been vaccinated.
Customers will not be questioned about their vaccine status, but will instead be kept to an “honor system,” Walmart said. However, to go maskless, workers must say “yes” to a vaccine question in a regular health assessment.
“Integrity is one of our core values, and we trust associates will respect that principle when answering,” Walmart stated in a memo to employees posted on its corporate website. In order to get the bonus, employees will have to show their vaccination certificates.
The corporation also noted that vaccines are available at its over 5,100 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacy, as well as at special events.
Walmart is the country’s largest employer, with almost 1.5 million workers in the United States, including those at Sam’s Club, and in corporate and executive positions.
On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated mask-wearing guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, freeing them to stop wearing masks in crowds and most indoor environments.
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Last July, Walmart was one of the first retailers to require wearing masks. Its decision to permit vaccinated customers and employees to stop wearing masks might inspire other retailers to follow the example.
