Walmart To Deploy “Health Ambassadors” Trained To De-Escalate Confrontations Over Face Mask Mandate

The New York Post reports:

In a week that saw big chains like Kohl’s, CVS and Target announce that all shoppers must wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus, only Walmart said it is creating a dedicated enforcement team.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based behemoth said that it will install “health ambassadors” at each location to help implement the rule, which goes into effect on Monday. With so many Americans openly defiant of face-covering requirements, some worry that Walmart’s policy will run the risk of creating confrontations and financial liabilities for the retailer.

“Our Health Ambassadors are receiving special de-escalation training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers,” Walmart spokeswoman Rebecca Thomason said in a statement to The Post. “They will work with customers who show up without a face covering to try and find a solution.”