Walmart Inc. is reinstating a mask mandate for workers in U.S. counties deemed at high risk of Covid-19 transmission and will verify the vaccination status of workers, another sign that revised federal guidelines issued earlier this week have wide business implications.
The retailing giant said Friday it will implement a system to verify which of its 1.6 million U.S. workers are vaccinated. Previously, Walmart and many employers used the honor system to identify which workers aren’t vaccinated and should be masked.
“We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change. We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated,” Walmart said in a staff memo. The company also said it would double to $150 the bonus it will give to staff who get the Covid-19 vaccine.
Major U.S. businesses are adjusting to new federal health guidance and rising U.S. Covid cases in recent weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Tuesday that vaccinated people resume wearing masks in some indoor spaces, reversing its earlier guidance.
Some employers responded by requiring staff to get vaccinated. Many others, like Walmart , aren’t mandating the vaccine. A few big tech companies announced delays this week to plans to reopen corporate offices.