A "Health Ambassador" at the entrance of each Walmart store will assist customers who show up without a mask.

Walmart, the world's largest retailer, announced today that beginning Monday, July 20, customers will be required to wear face masks in their stores. The requirement will also be in place in all Sam's Club stores.

"Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings," Dacona Smith, COO of Walmart U.S., and Lance de la Rosa, COO of Sam’s Club, said in a press release. "To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20." 

The stores will post signs and "train associates on the new protocols" in the coming days. In fact, Walmart will have a single entrance to make the face mask requirement easier to monitor, as they post an employee in a "Health Ambassador" role at the entrance to remind customers and assist those who show up without a mask.

"In addition to posting clear signage at the front of our stores, Walmart has created the role of Health Ambassador and will station them near the entrance to remind those without a mask of our new requirements. Our ambassadors will receive special training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers. The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.

"To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance."

Sam’s Clubs will also post associates at the entrance to remind customers of the mask requirement. Complimentary masks will be provided, as needed.

"We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering," the press release states. "Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone."

What do you think of the mask requirement at Walmart and Sam's Club? Tell us in the comments!