They will be high-quality masks, but not the N95 respirators that are only used by high-risk health-care personnel.Īlthough the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against using masks or gloves unless they are required by their employment, Walmart employees may request them from their superiors. The masks will be sent in a week or two, according to the business. Many of them work in Walmart's stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, and they do not have the opportunity to work from home like the company's corporate employees. Walmart employs over 1.5 million people in the United States. It covers both full-time and part-time hourly employees, regardless of their term of service. The policy, which went into force on March 10, is in place until the end of the month. Workers who have been diagnosed with the virus will be paid for two weeks, while those who are compelled to go into quarantine will be paid for up to two weeks.Įmployees who are unable to work or who are uneasy at work as a result of the virus, on the other hand, must use their earned time off in order to be paid. Hourly employees may remain home if they have any virus-related symptoms, worries, or illness, or if they are quarantined, under Walmart's covid-19 emergency leave policy. "Many associates have been taking their own temperatures at home," Furner and McLay stated, "and we're urging them to keep doing so as we start doing it on-site." "We'll also continue to advise associates to be on the lookout for other virus symptoms (coughing, aches, difficulty breathing) and to never come to work while they're sick." When they haven't had a fever for at least three days, they can return to work. The new restrictions will apply to workers in Walmart's stores, clubs, and other facilities, according to John Furner, president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S., and Kath McLay, president and CEO of Sam's Club, Walmart's members-only warehouse business.Įmployees with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be compensated for reporting to work, but will be sent home to seek medical attention if necessary. In addition, if stocks allow, the company will supply masks and gloves to employees who want them. sites, which could take up to three weeks. Shortening store hours for extra cleaning and disinfection, using wipes and sprayers to disinfect carts, putting up information to encourage social separation, and beginning to build sneeze shields at pharmacies and checkout registers are among the other precautions being taken.Īccording to the post by Walmart and Sam's Club executives, infrared thermometers will be sent to all of its U.S. These are the most recent measures implemented by Walmart in recent weeks to protect the health of its consumers and employees.