Walmart said on Friday that customers who are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 will not need to wear a mask in its stores, unless one is required by state or local laws.
In a memo sent to employees, the retailer said the change in its mask policy takes effect immediately at Walmart stores and its membership club, Sam’s Club. Starting Tuesday, it said employees who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask while working.
The company pointed to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, issued on Thursday, which said that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or stay six feet apart from others in most cases, whether indoors or outdoors.
Masks are still required by some city and state ordinances, and the company said it will comply with the law.
In the memo, Walmart executives said they “will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs.” They said stores will have updated signs that reflect that new request.
They did not say if, or how, Walmart will verify who is or who is not vaccinated.
For employees who want to work without wearing a mask at a store, distribution center or other facility, Walmart said it will verify their status by asking them if they have or have not gotten vaccinated. It will rely on the person’s yes or no answer.
“Integrity is one of our core values, and we trust that associates will respect that principle when answering,” they said in the memo.
However, to get a vaccine-related bonus, Walmart said the employee will have to show his or her original, completed vaccine card to a store leader or human resources manager. Starting next Tuesday, each person is eligible to receive $75 “as a thank you for getting vaccinated.”
This story is developing and will be updated.