Walmart Sales Soared, Essential Workers Got Scant Protection May 14, 2021 COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Sandra Kunz had been worried for her safety while working as a cashier at a Walmart in Aurora, Colorado, during the pandemic, said her sister, Paula Spellman. The 72-year-old had lung disease, Spellman said. She was “uncomfortable because so many people (were) coming in with coughs.” But Kunz didn’t complain to the government agency tasked with protecting workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Sandy’s not a complainer,” Spellman said. “She went out and just purchased her own mask and her own gloves.” It wasn’t enough. On April 20, 2020, Kunz died from COVID-19 following an outbreak linked to the Aurora Walmart. At least 18 employees got sick and one other worker at Walmart, Lupe Aguilar, died. So did Kunz’s husband, Gustavous, who Spellman said fell ill after she did.