Walmart has created a “COVID-19 emergency leave policy” in response to the novel coronavirus, according to a March 10 email the company sent to its U.S. associates and shared with sister publication HR Dive.
Effective immediately, Walmart associates can take this leave under certain circumstances. If workers think they are “unable to work or are uncomfortable at work,” they may stay home. Walmart will waive its attendance policy through the end of April. To be paid for this time, workers will need to use paid time off options.
If a Walmart facility or associate undergoes quarantine, the store will pay out two weeks of pay and waive the absences during that time. “We’ve chosen two weeks because it matches the recommended time for quarantines related to this virus,” the email said. Finally, if workers contract the virus, they will get up to two weeks of pay.
If they cannot return to work after two weeks, “additional pay replacement may be provided for up to 26 weeks…” Retail Dive