Fred Meyer officials are taking more action to protect employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release, officials say they are committed to protecting the health and safety of their associates.
Employees are allowed to wear protective masks and gloves while at work. According to the press release, Fred Meyer is aware of the national shortage of personal protective equipment like this, and they fully support America’s health care workers having first priority to obtain the equipment they need.
Fred Meyer is advocating to government officials at all levels for help securing a priority place in line for all grocery workers - after health care workers - to have access to protective masks and gloves.
Daily sanitation practices at Fred Meyer stores include cleaning commonly used areas more often like cashier stations, self-checkouts, credit card terminals, food service counters and shelves.
Plexiglass partitions are now being installed at many cash registers, to further promote physical distancing. Many stores are beginning the installation process this week, and ever checklane, including pharmacy counters and Starbucks registers, should have one in the next several weeks. There will also be floor decals promoting physical distancing at checklanes and other counters soon.
Fred Meyer stores have also adjusted operating hours across the county to allow for time for associates to rest, clean and stock shelves.
Fred Meyer has enacted Emergency Leave Guidelines, allowing paid time off for associates diagnosed with COVID-19, placed under mandatory quarantine and paid time off for self-isolation and symptoms as verified by an accredited health care professional. All eligible associates will receive their standard pay for up to two weeks (14 days).
For those affected by COVID-19, the organization has also made available additional resources through the Kroger Family of Companies Helping Hands fund to provide financial assistance to associates who face hardship due to COVID-19, including lack of access to childcare and for those considered higher-risk.
