Amazon to start Coronavirus testing its warehouse workers

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has recently been under criticism for not taking effective measures to minimize the risk of fast-spreading Coronavirus at its warehouses. In recent news, however, the online retail giant was reported in close communication with Abbott Laboratories and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. to promote Coronavirus screening among employees. Both of the pharmaceutical companies are currently working committedly to meet the demand for Coronavirus diagnostic tests. Despite the U.S government keeping the test makers entirely busy at present, the companies were reported to have shown interest in collaborating with Amazon.

Abbott’s Diagnostic Test Gives Positive Result In Five Minutes

Copy link to section The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had recently given emergency use authorization for the diagnostic tests manufactured by Thermo Fisher and Abbott Laboratories. Abbott’s recently introduced test claims to give positive results for Coronavirus within 5 minutes. As per the report, Amazon wishes to start employee screening from its Seattle warehouse. The company is also exploring the possibility of multi-person testing at a time for which it is also collaborating with a medical organization. Amazon and Thermo Fisher didn’t comment any further on the news. Abbott spokesperson, on the other hand, was reported stating: “We know it’s important for several industries for their workforces to be safe, but as we’ve said, right now we’ve prioritized the healthcare frontline workforce in outbreak hotspots and have been working with the White House Task Force, FDA, FEMA, and CDC and state authorities to ensure they get to those areas.”

Amazon Reported Coronavirus Cases At 19 Warehouses

Copy link to section Amazon is serving an essential role in enabling access to food, groceries, and essential items for people who have been restricted to their homes due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Its workers, however, have recently launched multiple strikes as they fear they will get the infection as they continue to do their jobs. At least 19 of Amazon’s warehouses have already reported confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the U.S. Amazon has recently taken up an interest in the healthcare industry. The U.S tech giant had previously partnered with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. to reduce the cost of healthcare for its workers. Amazon now calls the aforementioned venture, Haven. Amazon closed the last week at £1,550 per share in the stock market that translated to over 10% decline as compared to its record-high in February. The company is currently valued at £774 billion.