The rollbacks come as more U.S. states lift mask mandates and COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant recede. (via CBS News)
Amazon and Walmart are no longer requiring fully vaccinated workers to wear masks unless required to do so by state or local mandates, both retailing giants told employees in separate memos. cases linked to the Omicron variant recede.
Walmart told its roughly 1.6 million U.S. employees on Friday that those who are fully vaccinated would no longer have to cover their faces in any Walmart or Sam's Club facility, unless required by state or local ordinance. Unvaccinated workers and those in health clinics and pharmacies will still need to wear masks.
"Though vaccinated associates are no longer required to wear a mask in our facilities, we support and respect an individual's choice to continue wearing one," the retailer said in its memo. Walmart first mandated face coverings in July of 2020, then dropped the rule for fully vaccinated workers in May 2021 before reverting back to its prior policy as infections climbed due to Omicron. The company also said its COVID-19 emergency leave policy allowing for more paid sick leave for coronavirus-related absences is lapsing at the end of March.
As of Friday, only Amazon employees who've received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be entitled to paid leave due to COVID-19, and only those who are fully vaccinated will be offered the benefit as of March 18, according to the company.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
COVID-19 live updates: Walmart drops mask requirement for vaccinated workersAs the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.8 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 919,000 Americans.
Read more »
Walmart changes COVID-19 policies for vaccinated employees, sick pay and moreEmployees at Walmart who are vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask at work.
Read more »
Tracking COVID-19 infections: time for changeIt's time to change how we track COVID-19 infections, says biostatistician nataliexdean
Read more »
Covid-19 news: US and UK delay next decisions on child vaccinationsThe latest coronavirus news updated every day including coronavirus cases, the latest news, features and interviews from New Scientist and essential information about the covid-19 pandemic
Read more »
Canadian government invokes Emergencies Act due to blockades and protests over Covid-19 measuresCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is invoking the Emergencies Act “to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockages and occupations” connected to protests over Covid-19 health measures.
Read more »
Alaska reports 3-day tally of just over 1,800 COVID-19 resident cases as decline continuesAlaska on Monday reported 1,822 new COVID-19 cases in residents and a slight drop in the number of COVID-positive people hospitalized as the ongoing decline in the omicron variant surge continues.
Read more »