Six Amazon US Workers From Eight Warehouses Test Positive For COVID-19

In these dark times, we are thankful to all the delivery agents who are helping us get the necessary goods to lead our life, amidst COVID-19 outbreak.

However, life isn¡¯t all-clear for them, being on the frontline of delivering essential goods and services to people stranded at home.

Reuters

Recent reports have revealed that COVID-19 outbreak has spread to at least six Amazon warehouses and infected workers who strive to deliver our goods on time.

Amazon workers have been tested positive in warehouses in New York, Shepherdsville, Jacksonville, Katy, Brownstown and Oklahoma City. Amazon has shut down the aforementioned facilities for decontamination with colleagues close to the people infected being put into quarantine.

This news came right after Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos¡¯s announcement of hiring more 100,000 people to help make more deliveries happen. Moreover, so that the existing staff feels more motivated, they¡¯ve increased their pay for hourly employees by $2 per hour in the US, 2 GBP in the UK and 2 Euros in Europe. The pay-hike will cost Amazon a hefty $350 million.

Also, recently, some warehouse workers in Spain and Italy also tested positive for the virus.

Such spiking number of cases forced warehouse workers to sign a petition asking Amazon to take necessary steps to help workers from not getting infected.

Reuters

Amazon spokeswoman Lisa Levandowski said in a statement, ¡°We are supporting the individuals, following guidelines from local officials, and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of all the employees at our sites.¡±

Amazon CEO¡¯s recent letter to its Amazonians also revealed the struggle the brand is facing with respect to safety gear. He revealed that they¡¯ve placed orders for millions of maks to give to its employees, but due to global shortage, very few orders have actually gone through.