Walmart installing plexiglass barriers in stores; using new sanitizing solution
Walmart is taking additional step to ensure the well-being of both workers and customers.
The retail giant has started installing plexiglass barriers (sneeze guards) at the pharmacy lanes in Walmart and Sam’s Club stores. It also plans to install the guards at regular Walmart registers during the next two to three weeks. (Kroger is also installing plexiglass barriers in its stores.)
“Staying safe and healthy is more important than ever for our associates, our customers and for us,” said Dacona Smith, executive VP and COO, Walmart U.S., In Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, in a corporate blog post. “Installing these barriers is another way Walmart is helping bring peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to keep our people and our stores safe.”
Walmart has also found a new sanitizing solution to help its employees clean shopping carts quicker and more thoroughly. Stores will soon start using the Hart brand two-gallon backpack sprayer kit that it currently sells in stores to sanitize the whole cart. Walmart will ship the sprayer kit to its stores that don’t carry the product, starting this week.
In other safety measures, to make it easier for customers to judge the proper social distance from each other, Walmart is installing floor decals at both the entrances and in checkout lanes of its stores. The decals will be installed during the coming days and week.
“Washing hands and social distancing are two of the most important things people can do right now to stay safe – but sometimes it can be difficult to judge the six-foot distance,” said Smith.
“We remain focused on helping customers and associates stay healthy,” said Smith. “Based on advice from the medical community, learnings from Walmart’s international markets, and new information we’re learning every day, we will continue creating and providing additional safety measures for our people and stores.”
In addition, Walmart employees will now have quicker access to their earnings through a new weekly access option. Through June, associates nationwide (except in New York and over-the-road truck drivers) will receive free access to Even, a third-party mobile app that offers instant access to 50% of their earned, net wages on a weekly basis. Even also provides financial wellness features to help associates with budgeting and saving.
Currently, the majority of Walmart associates and family members have everyday access to $4 telehealth doctor visits. Walmart is now waiving this fee for those plan members, providing them access to medical and behavioral health services at no cost to them. In addition, associates and their families can get free support for mental wellness or life concerns 24/7 through Walmart’s partnership with the third-party provider Resources for Living, which includes three behavioral counseling sessions at no cost.