Walmart is going to require all customers to wear face coverings at its stores, the company announced on Wednesday.

The requirement will go into effect on Monday. Walmart will join other Fort Dodge stores like Menards, which also require face coverings. Kohl’s also announced on Wednesday it would begin requiring masks starting on Monday.

“From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus and priority has been and continues to be on the health and safety of our associates, members and customers,” said Dacona Smith, chief operating officer, Walmart U.S., and Lance de la Rosa, chief operating officer, Sam’s Club, in a joint statement.

According to Smith and de la Rosa, about 65 percent of the more than 5,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings.

Smith and de la Rosa said the decision to have all stores require the face coverings is about bringing “consistency” to the stores’ policy.

Starting the requirement next week will give the company time to inform customers, post signs and train associates on the new protocols.

“While we’re certainly not the first business to require face coverings, we know this is a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities,” Smith and de la Rosa said.

Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the two company officials said face coverings help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

They added, “And because the virus can be spread by people who don’t have symptoms and don’t know they are infected, it’s critically important for everyone to wear a face covering in public and social distance.”

In addition to posting clearly-worded signs at the front of the stores, Walmart has created the role of health ambassador. The health ambassador will be stationed near the entrance to remind those without a mask of the new requirements.

“Our ambassadors will receive special training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers,” Smith and de la Rosa said. “The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.”

All stores will continue to have a single entrance.

“We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone,” Smith and de la Rosa said. “We know some people have differing opinions on this topic. We also recognize the role we can play to help protect the health and well-being of the communities we serve by following the evolving guidance of health officials like the CDC. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our customers and members in wearing face coverings to protect their safety and the safety of our associates.”