The Walmart Superstore in Hinesville had closed for three days for deep cleaning this past Saturday afternoon until Tuesday morning. While the announcement came suddenly, according to various news reports, the store chain had closed several stores across the nation in the past few months to allow for internal deep cleanings.
“Several areas across the country have begun seeing a renewed increase in positive COVID-19 cases, and we want to assist health officials working against the pandemic,” Walmart communications director Lauren Willis said in a statement to a news station in Spokane Washington on Aug. 21.
“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and the thousands of customers we serve daily, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts.”
Walmart has a COVID-19 policy posted on their website that states the health and safety of their associates, customers and communities continues to guide all their decisions.
“For the foreseeable future, we will continue with most of the measures currently in place – such as enhanced cleaning routines, including spraying carts after use and keeping plastic shields at our registers,” the statement read. “We will continue to have social distancing floor decals, and we will continue to follow all state and local government mandates covering our stores.”
Per CDC Guidance, all Walmart and Sam’s Club associates working in an area of substantial or high transmission are required to wear a mask or face covering while working indoors, regardless of vaccination status. In these counties and where there are state or local mask mandates, associates will be required to wear masks inside their facilities, including stores, clubs, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and their campus offices. The CDC updates its data on transmission rates every Monday, so the guidance on mask usage will change over time in different locations.
Facility Management will also post signage at their stores and clubs to remind customers and members about the CDC’s revised guidance and strongly encourage them to wear masks or face coverings.