Walmart Announces Temperature Checks Along with New Safety Policies

Walmart announced Tuesday it would begin taking the temperatures of employees as they report to work in stores, clubs and facilities, along with asking them some basic health screen questions. According to the statement from Walmart US President and CEO John Furner and Sam’s Club President and CEO Katy McLay, infrared thermometers are headed to all locations and may take up to three weeks to reach their destinations.

“Any associate with a temperature of 100 degrees will be paid for reporting to work and asked to return home and seek medical treatment if necessary,” said the statement. “The associate will not be able to return to work until they are fever-free for at least three days.”

Many employees have already been assessing themselves at home and the company has asked they continue monitoring themselves for symptoms of the coronavirus and never go to work when they don’t feel well.

“Our COVID-19 emergency leave policy allows associates to stay home if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms, concerns, illness or are quarantined – knowing that their jobs will be protected,” said the statement.

Walmart is also making masks and gloves available for employees – as supplies allow – for those who want to wear them. The masks are not N95 masks and are expected to arrive in one to two weeks.