Walmart Temporarily Closes Bainbridge Store to Clean

January 5, 2022 by Staff Report

The Walmart in Bainbridge Township temporarily closed its doors last week in order to help stave off the burden on healthcare workers.

“As an essential business and a member of the Bainbridge community, we understand the role we play in providing our customers with food, medicine and other essential items, especially at this time,” said Ashley Nolan, who is part of Walmart’s Corporate Affairs team, in a statement. “As you know, several areas across the country have begun seeing a renewed increase in positive COVID-19 cases and we want to assist health officials working against the pandemic. In support of this effort, we have chosen to temporarily close our Bainbridge store location at 7235 Market Place Drive at 2 p.m. (Dec. 28) as part of an ongoing company-initiated program. We plan to reopen the store to customers at 6 a.m. (Dec. 30).”

The two days allowed a third-party specialist to further sanitize the store and gave store associates additional time to restock shelves, Nolan said.

“Everything we’re doing is for the wellbeing of our associates and the thousands of customers we serve daily, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and health experts,” Nolan said. “We will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission.

In these counties and where there are state or local mask mandates, associates will be required to wear masks inside our facilities, including stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.”

The CDC updates its data on transmission rates weekly, so the guidance on mask usage is likely to change over time in different locations, Nolan said, adding Walmart will continue conducting associate health assessments and all unvaccinated associates must still wear face coverings.

“In addition to offering COVID-19 vaccines to customers through walk-in or online appointments, we’re also offering easy access to vaccines for associates,” Nolan said. “Associates can receive their vaccinations at their home store pharmacy, on or off the clock. Should associates choose to schedule their vaccinations elsewhere, we will provide two hours of paid leave and up to three days paid leave, should they experience an adverse reaction.”

Walmart is also currently offering $150 bonuses for associates who choose to become fully vaccinated and have not previously received the vaccination incentive.

“These protocols and convenient access to vaccinations are in addition to the extensive measures we’ve put in place during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers,” Nolan said. “We will continue working closely with elected and local health officials, adjusting how we serve the community while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind.”