Walmart is taking another step to protect its employees and shoppers amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The company announced Friday that it will begin requiring that associates wear masks or other face coverings at work.

The action includes Walmart’s stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, and corporate offices.

The company is also encouraging customers to wear face coverings when shopping at their stores.

The requirement for employees will go into effect Monday. Employees are able to provide their own as long as it meets certain guidelines, or the company will provide them with one as they pass their health screening and temperature check.

Walmart also announced Friday that they are extending their emergency leave policy through the end of May.

Any associate that has a temperature of 100.0 degrees is being paid for reporting to work and sent home to seek treatment, and is not allowed to return until fever-free for at least three days.

Social distancing will be promoted at Walmart stores and offices until the CDC gives further guidelines.

Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol . Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

with people who are sick Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.

in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily . This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.