Publix, Walmart, Disney: Companies Respond To FL’s COVID-19 Surge

FLORIDA — With COVID-19 infections surging in Florida, many major retailers, theme parks and other businesses in the state are responding with new mandates to stop the spread of the virus.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on Saturday, Florida reported its highest number of new coronavirus cases in a single day — 21,683 cases — since the pandemic started.

From July 23-29, the state reported more than 110,000 new cases from July 23-29 and an 18.1 percent new case positivity rate, according to the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report. There were more than 400 deaths reported during this period, as well.

Here’s how some companies are adapting to this recent surge in numbers.

Walmart and Sam’s Club

Walmart Inc. announced Friday that it will follow updated guidance from the CDC. The corporation now requires all Walmart and Sam’s Club employees to wear masks inside Walmart stores, clubs, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and other facilities in counties with "substantial" or" high" transmission rates — which includes all 67 Florida counties — or areas where there are local mask ordinances.

The chain is also requiring that its higher-level staff members get vaccinated.

“As we all know, the pandemic is not over, and the Delta variant has led to an increase in infection rates across much of the U.S.,” Doug McMillon, president and CEO, said in a memo to all U.S.-based campus associates. “Given this, we have made the decision to require all market, regional and divisional associates who work in multiple facilities and all campus office associates to be vaccinated by Oct. 4, unless they have an approved exception. This includes all new hires.”

Related Story: Florida Posts Record Number Of New Coronavirus Cases: CDC

Other Walmart and Sam’s Club workers are urged to get the vaccine.

“We continue to watch with deep concern the developments of the pandemic and the spread of variants, especially the Delta variant,” Donna Morris, chief people officer, and Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president of health and wellness at Walmart, wrote in a memo to associates. “We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change. We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated.”

To persuade workers to get the vaccine, Walmart has doubled the incentive it is offering them to $150. They’re also allowed to receive the vaccine while on the clock and are offered up to three days' paid leave for any adverse reactions.

Publix

The Lakeland-based grocery chain has updated its mask policy for all employees to follow the CDC guidelines in COVID-19 hot spots. Starting Monday, all workers, regardless of their vaccination status, must wear face masks while inside any Publix store in areas with substantial or high levels of transmission of the virus.

“We encourage all to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Publix wrote on the Coronavirus FAQ page on its website.

The grocer’s mask policy doesn’t affect shoppers, though it notes that the CDC does recommend masks indoors for everyone in these areas of high transmission.

Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Mas and Harveys Supermarkets

Southeastern Grocers, the Jacksonville-based corporation that owns Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Mas and Harveys Supermarket, told First Coast News that it encourages customers to wear masks in its stores but doesn’t mandate it.

"At Southeastern Grocers, we remain committed to caring for and supporting the communities we serve while following local, state and federal guidelines,” a spokesperson told the news outlet. “With the rise in COVID-19 cases, we continue to encourage customers to practice social distancing and wear masks while shopping in our stores. We appreciate the flexibility, kindness and respect for other shoppers and our associates shown by our customers over the last year, and we ask for their continued cooperation as we work together to further safeguard our communities and slow down the spread of coronavirus."

Apple stores

Following CDC guidelines, Apple has brought back its mask requirements for shoppers and employees, whether they’re vaccinated or not, in most of its U.S. stores, Bloomberg reported.

“Face masks may be required for customers, depending on local mandates and conditions. Apple follows local mandates and the CDC’s strong recommendation for masking indoors,” according to the company’s Plan Your Visit page on its website.

Customers without masks will be provided one. N95 masks with valves and masks that don’t cover the nose or extend below the chin, including bandanas, aren’t allowed.

Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando has also updated its mask policy as COVID-19 cases surge in Florida. Once again, all guests ages 2 and older, whether they're vaccinated or unvaccinated, are required to wear masks indoors and while riding Disney transportation, including buses, the monorail and the Disney Skyliner, according to the Disney website. Masks will remain optional when in outdoor common areas.

The company will also require all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the United States to get vaccinated, according to WFLA.

“Employees who aren’t already vaccinated and are working on-site will have 60 days from today to complete their protocols, and any employees still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination prior to their return, with certain limited exceptions,” according to a statement from the theme park.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort has updated its safety guidelines related to COVID-19. The theme park doesn’t require that guests wear face masks when visiting but recommends that they wear masks indoors, even those who have been vaccinated.

“We encourage all our guests to follow CDC guidelines and local directives to wear face coverings while indoors across Universal Orlando Resort. Face coverings are optional while outdoors,” according to the theme park’s website. “We also encourage all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties, and we remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards.”

In the spring, Universal previously stated that those who were vaccinated didn’t need to wear face masks indoors.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens

SeaWorld in Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa, both owned by the same parent company, have updated their face mask policies to recommend that visitors wear face masks while indoors at both theme parks, regardless of vaccination status. They stop short of requiring face masks, though.

“The safety of our guests, Ambassadors and animals in our care remains our top priority. Consistent with CDC guidance, we recommend that our guests wear face coverings while indoors,” the websites for both theme parks said.

Previously, both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens explicitly said that guests who were fully vaccinated against coronavirus didn’t need to wear a face mask when indoors.