CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Walmart and Kroger announced Wednesday and that it will begin requiring customers to wear face masks starting next week.
Walmart and Sam’s Clubs will start the mandate next Monday, July 20, Kroger, next Wednesday, July 22. Walmart and Sam’s are already requiring masks at its West Virginia locations after Gov. Jim Justice signed a mask order last week.
In a statement released Wednesday evening by Kroger, the supermarket chain said it was taking the additional step because it recognized “additional precautions are needed to protect our country.”
Kroger will make exceptions for small children and customers who have medical problems.
Justice said Wednesday large businesses and surrounding states are following West Virginia’s lead.
“This little state of West Virginia is being followed by Walmart, followed by Sam’s Club,” Justice said at his COVID-19 media briefing.
Walmart said Wednesday 65 percent of its stores are already located in places where there are mask mandates.
Justice also marked mask moves by surrounding states in recent days.
“Within the last couple of days Ohio and Kentucky have followed the same suit,” Justice said. “You West Virginia are doing the right things and pushing the right buttons.”
Justice also cited recent remarks by the head of the federal Centers for Disease Control who said “face coverings are meant to protect other people.”
State Coronavirus Czar Doctor Clay Marsh urged state residents during Justice’s media briefing at the state capitol to continue wearing masks. He said young adults are not exempt from the impact of COVID-19.
“It’s really important that people who are younger not be fooled or confused that they can’t get sick as well,” Marsh said.
Justice said the state is at a tipping point when it comes to the coronavirus.
“Here’s our power, our last bullet in the gun. This is all we have right now,” Justice said. “This right here can stop this terrible killer so please West Virginians wear your masks.”