Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT) is facing a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of an employee at a Chicago-area store who died from the novel coronavirus. The employee is one of two from the Chicago store that died, and one of four grocery store workers who have died from the virus nationwide. The deaths come as Walmart is adjusting its policies to limit customers into its store.
Wando Evans, aged 51, was an overnight worker at the Evergreen Park Walmart in the Chicago Area. Evans was sent home after falling ill and passed away from complications two days after being sent home. The wrongful death lawsuit, which alleges "willful and wanton misconduct and reckless disregard", was filed by Evans' brother.
Evans was one of two Evergreen Park employees to die of the coronavirus, the other employee being Phillip Thomas, who was aged 48. Walmart has not shared any other details regarding when the employees began showing symptoms. The Evergreen park store, however, remains open after passing an inspection last week.
The deaths come as Walmart is taking steps to limit exposure to customers and employees in its stores. Last week, Walmart stated that it would begin issuing Personal Protective Equipment to its employees and would begin taking temperatures. Gloves and protective masks would be shipped to stores and made available to employees, along with infrared thermometers. All employees would be required to have their temperature taken before beginning their shift.
More recently, Walmart has begun limiting the number of customers in its stores to about 20% of each store's capacity. Stores will start limiting the number of customers to no more than five customers per 1000 square feet. Meanwhile, customers will be lined up outside and only allowed in as other customers leave. Aisles will also become one way to prevent customers from bunching up and coming into close contact.