Walmart and Sam’s Club Recommending Masks to Customers

There's been a lot of rumors and false information on social media and elsewhere about Walmart and Sam's Club requiring face masks. This was the big topic over the weekend that had people upset and posting all kinds of things about a mask mandate. The usual suspects hammered keyboards, ranting and raving in full impotent rage, all without knowing the facts or bothering to check it out for themselves. It's like anything else that happens online, especially on social media. One person posts it and it takes off, regardless of truth.

People were threatening to never shop there again and to take their complaints all the way to the top, like it would matter. I heard all of this and thought "well, I wonder if that's true?" So I went to both Walmart and Sam's Club to see for myself. I had heard they were turning people away and had security at the ready to combat anyone who was non-compliant. Well, it's not true. I went into both stores unmasked and made a point to speak with door greeters and other employees. Several other customers, as a matter of fact most of the customers weren't wearing face masks. So it's not a mandate, it's a suggestion to wear a face mask.

Now they will ask you if you want a mask when you enter if you aren't already wearing one. I went twice and at different times to see if they were enforcing a mandatory mask policy and neither time did they deny me or anyone's entry due to not wearing a face mask. The sign they have outside the doors says "We recommend all members/customers wear a mask or face covering while in the store." it doesn't say mandatory, or no entry if you aren't wearing a mask. Now that's not to say it couldn't change, but at this time it's a recommendation not an order. So the whole social media storm about this over the weekend is pointless.

As bad as things are looking right now with more and more positive cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and the Delta Variant it wouldn't surprise me if mask mandates came back. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is already suggesting it even for those who have been fully vaccinated. You can click here for all the details. Along with masks I'm sure social distancing is also something being considered. I seriously doubt another shut down will happen, but it's entirely possible that regardless of vaccination status face masks and social distancing could see a return.

Let us know if you've had a different experience at Walmart or Sam's Club and if the face mask policies change from "recommended" to "mandatory." In the meantime wear a mask, or don't. it's totally up to you. I just hope things improve and we don't end up with a bunch of mandates and ordinances again.