Walmart Tells its Corporate Staff and Managers They Must Get Covid Vaccine

In a move that may cause some backlash among employees, retail giant Walmart has told its corporate staff and managers that they must have the Covid vaccine by October 4th.

Company CEO Doug McMillon made the announcement on Friday in a memo obtained by CNBC, and also said the company will continue to monitor the situation of the health crisis to determine if it needs to change its return to work plans.

The mandate to get vaccinated applies to all home office associates, in addition to market, regional and divisional employees who work in multiple facilities.

McMillon said the nation’s largest retailer has been using a phased approach to bring workers back, only allowing limited capacity for now.

“We want to get to a place where we can use our offices and be together safely,” he said in the memo. “It’s important for our business, our culture, our speed and our innovation.”

Walmart will also begin requiring masks for store workers in high-risk counties in the U.S. — as determined by the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rankings.

Shoppers are strongly encouraged to wear masks in stores, but they will not be required to.

The company has also increased the incentive for staff in stores and warehouses to get a Covid vaccine, to $150. Employees who have already received the $75 incentive will receive another $75 in their paycheck dated Aug. 19, the company said Friday.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.