Walmart is once again requiring employees wear masks inside.
The new policy is effective immediately in places with substantial or high transmission of COVID-19 and began on Friday at the Walmart in Trion. Most all counties in Georgia are considered a high community transmission rate.
Masks will still be optional for customers.
Walmart ended its mask mandate in May.
But re-evaluated the policy after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance this week because of surging COVID-19 cases.
The CDC now recommends fully vaccinated people resume wearing masks indoors in areas with high transmission of COVID-19 and its Delta Variant.
Summary of Recent Changes from the CDC
- Updated information for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant currently circulating in the United States.
- Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
- Added information that fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
- Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
- CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
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