On July 20, Walmart started requiring customers nationwide to wear masks in their stores.
Public opinion varies when it comes to face coverings, and Walmart acknowledged this in its recent blog post. But regardless of opinion, experts say masks help protect public health.
I don’t like wearing bandanas or scarves, so adding masks to my routine was an uncomfortable change.
The first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family stayed at home and watched movies. We only went outside to retrieve groceries from our local Walmart pickup.
In June, I found myself walking up and down aisles of stores once again. Each aisle was marked with directions on the floor to keep shoppers distanced from each other.
I saw people wearing masks and people not wearing masks. I usually didn’t wear a mask, but I complied as best I could to social distancing guidelines while walking the aisles and standing in line.
I didn’t know stores had been trying to decide whether to require masks until recently. I wanted to better inform myself on these decisions so I could comply with the rules of our new normal.
Walmart announced its decision on its website July 15.
I took comfort in knowing businesses I frequently shopped at were taking steps to ensure my safety and the safety of those around me.
I’m thankful for the organizations promoting the use of masks because they have been proven to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially when used in areas where social distancing is not possible.
In the past, Walmart has not weighed in on “politicized debates.” According to The New York Times, its decision to require masks has changed communities nationwide.
The decision has set a positive example for our nation. If scientists and health officials say wearing masks slow the spread of the virus, I want to participate in helping get our nation back on its feet.
So let us work together toward a new normal while keeping people safe by wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Kim Stager can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @journalismgoals