Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) is encouraging front-line employees in California to get weekly COVID-19 tests, as the state rolls out new emergency workplace protections for the coronavirus.
"In accordance with Cal/OSHA’s new COVID-19 emergency regulations, we encourage all Amazon employees to get tested for COVID-19 at least once a week starting the week of December 14th," says a notice posted on an internal company web site used by warehouse workers and drivers.
A separate notice sent to Whole Foods workers says "WFM [Whole Foods Market] will offer COVID-19 testing to team members once a week (every seven days), and we encourage all team members to participate."
Earlier this month, California’s division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued new rules around coronavirus workplace safety measures. The emergency regulations require employers to provide COVID testing when there are multiple infections or outbreaks in the workplace. It also strengthens rules around case tracking, reporting and communication of procedures with employees.
The tests are being administered at third-party urgent care clinics run by Concentra, a national health care company part-owned by Select Medical Holdings. Concentra will notify employees of their test results.
The notice to Amazon employees told them to get tested outside of their scheduled working hours, and said they will receive up to 1.5 hours of compensation as reimbursement for costs associated with "time and travel."
AMZN shares jumped $3.80 to $3,168.92.
