GREAT FALLS — On the same day that Governor Steve Bullock announced a mask directive for Montana counties that have four or more active cases of COVID-19, some of the larger retailers and businesses had already begun to take steps of their own. Walmart announced on Wednesday that starting July 20, masks would be required to shop inside.
With two SuperCenters and a Sam’s Club location in town, Walmart has a significant presence in Great Falls. The company said the policy is to maintain consistency across all its stores, as 65% of its locations are in areas where there was already a mask mandate.
(Click here for details on Bullock's directive)
Before Wednesday, mask mandates in Montana were few and far between, but some Great Falls customers were already taking heed of Walmart’s policy.
"I think it’s important that we express and do proper health procedures to keep everyone safe, personally. I have an immune-deficient mom and I have a lot of friends who are immune-deficient," said Emily Maness. "And I just think it’s best that we all protect ourselves while this virus takes its course. I think it’s the smart thing to do."
At Walmart, customers can expect an employee in a black polo shirt at the front door to greet them and remind them of the policy. For Sam’s Club members specifically, masks will be available at the door.
This is not the first time a large retailer has made such an announcement. Starbucks began implementing a similar policy this week, and Costco has had a mask rule since early May.
Bullock’s directive only applies to counties with four or more active cases. If Cascade County were to fall below that threshold, Walmart’s policy would still apply. The company says customers have been compliant in areas where mask mandates already exist, and they expect that to happen elsewhere.
