Bentonville, AR - Walmart on Tuesday announced additional steps to be taken in stores to keep the public and workers safe in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walmart said associates will be asked basic health questions before their shift and have their temperatures taken.
Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees will be paid for reporting to work and asked to go back home. A news release states those employees would not be able to return to work until they were fever-free for at least 3 days.
The news release says Walmart is working to send infrared thermometers to all locations. That process could take up to 3 weeks.
Employees are encouraged to not show up to work if they feel any of the COVID-19 symptoms like coughing, feeling achy and difficulty breathing.
Walmart's news release also says the company will make gloves and masks available to associates. This is as long as supplies last. Walmart said the masks will arrive in 1 to 2 weeks.
According to Walmart's online statement, "They will be high-quality masks, but not N95 respirators — which should be reserved for at-risk healthcare workers."
Employees who would like a mask and gloves are encouraged to ask their manager.