Retail

Is Walmart Doing Everything It Can About COVID-19?

Douglas A. McIntyre

Published: March 9, 2020 6:26 am

Last Updated: March 9, 2020 6:27 am

On a recent walk through a Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) store, it was clear that the retailer might do more to stop the spread of COVID-19. Most of the steps would be simple. It is a matter of concern that Walmart does not do more.

The company has 4,769 stores in the United States. It is the nation’s largest employer, with over a million U.S. workers. Its stores represent a real threat of the spread of the disease.

Not a single person working the check outline had a mask or special gloves. Everything touched at checkout was simply put into a bag. The checkout areas were not disinfected, at least over the time this reporter was there.

There was no evidence that items or shelves where being disinfected, although more than one person, including Walmart workers, had touched some items. The people who stocked the shelves did not wear gloves or masks as they went about their work.

The shelves themselves, regardless of the items put upon them, did not appear to have been disinfected.

Walmart employees have been given a list of things they should do. Wash hands. Stay away from people who might be sick. Sick people should go home.

Are some or all of these precautions necessary? Ultimately, Walmart has to decide that. No legislation or local enforcement of health regulations forces Walmart to do anything, even things the CDC has suggested. That means Walmart could do more for customers.