Walmart mandates masks again for workers in COVID-19 hotspots

Walmart, the nation's largest retailer and private employer, is reversing its mask policy and will require all its workers —including vaccinated ones —to wear masks in areas with high infection rates of COVID-19.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company says it is also encouraging customers to wear masks in stores in areas with high infection rates from the Delta variant of the coronavirus and will be adding back signs at entrances announcing its latest policies, according to a memo supplied by Walmart that was sent to its employees Friday. Walmart will also bring back its "health ambassadors" who will be positioned at the entrances and hand out masks to customers. The company, which employs 1.5 million people at more than 4,700 stores across the U.S., is also doubling to $150 its incentive for workers in its Walmart stores, Sam's Club operations and transportation, distribution and fulfillment centers. Those who already received the $75 incentive will receive another $75 in their paycheck dated August 19.