Walmart stores will cease 24-hour operations amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, the company announced Saturday.
Beginning at 11 p.m. Sunday, all stores will close until 6 a.m. Monday. After that, the temporary operating hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, until further notice. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours will continue their regular hours of operation.
“I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers,” Dacona Smith, Walmart’s executive vice president and COO, said in a statement. “I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need.”
Smith said the nightly closing will “help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing.”
All workers will continue with their current shifts, Smith said, and the supply chain and trucking fleet will continue to deliver products to the stores.
“To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time,” Smith said. “I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.”
