Walmart branches in Burnaby at Lougheed Town Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown will soon require customers to wear a mask before entering the store.
That’s in line with a new company-wide policy set to roll out Aug. 12 across all of Walmart’s Canadian stores.
Already over 60% of Walmart’s 400 stores in Canada require masks because of a local government mandate, according to Walmart Canada’s manager of corporate affairs Felicia Fefer.
Fefer cited Health Canada guidance that says that, when worn properly, masks or face coverings “can reduce the spread of his or her own infectious respiratory droplets.”
“For this reason, and to help bring more consistency across our store network, starting August 12, 2020, we are now requiring all customers and associates working in any Walmart store not already subject to a local government mandate to wear a mask or face covering in areas of our stores accessible to the public,” confirmed Fefer in an email.
That’s in addition to enhanced cleaning protocols, start of shift wellness and temperature checks for staff, limiting the total number of shoppers at once, floor markings and Plexiglass dividers — all currently in place, according to Fefer.
Other stores in the Burnaby which have already mandated mask-wearing policies include such chains as T&T Supermarket.
“Make sure your mask is well-fitted over your nose, mouth and chin, and that it is secured to your head with ties or ear loops so that you do not have to adjust frequently,” says Canada’s top public health official, Dr. Theresa Tam. “Try not to touch the mask or your face while wearing the mask, as this is another route of infection. Some people may not realize that masks can become contaminated on the outside. Wash your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask using soap and water or a Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer. Only you should wear your mask - please do not share it with others.”
- With additional reporting by Stefan Labbe, The Tri-City News
