News Mash-up: Vaccines and Masks

Walmart mandates vaccine for managerial workers, brings back masks in stores Workers at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4, the retailer said on July 31. Walmart managers also must be vaccinated if they travel within the United States. The company is also reversing its mask policy for Walmart employees in stores, clubs, distribution facilities and warehouses. Those workers will have to wear masks in areas with high infection rates. The new mask policy is for both vaccinated and unvaccinated employees. Walmart said it hopes these policies will help convince more of its workers to get the shot in the arm. The vaccine mandate doesn’t apply to front-line workers. Such workers have a lower vaccination rate than managerial staff. However, Walmart will pay front-line staff $150 (¥16,500) to get the shot. This is double the previous amount. (AP) Health ministry approves AstraZeneca vaccine A health ministry panel on July 30 approved AstraZeneca PLC’s COVID-19 vaccine for people age 40 and over, with Japan aiming to accelerate its rollout of shots amid a dearth of supplies among some local governments and a surge in new cases. The vaccine obtained the health ministry’s approval for emergency use in late May, but it was not immediately used because the government had been weighing whether to place age restrictions on it following reports of very rare blood clots overseas. (The Japan Times) These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.