(Reuters) – Supermarket chain Kroger Co said on Friday it would give $ 100 to workers receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and join a growing list of U.S. retailers urging workers to fight the new coronavirus as soon as possible. to be vaccinated.
Kroger, who also operates Ralphs and Harris Teeter among other banners in 35 states, has hired more than 100,000 new workers to anticipate an increase in demand amid the coronavirus closures.
The company said it would also invest $ 50 million in rewards for employees, including a $ 100 credit store and 1,000 hourly fuel points.
Other retailers that have taken similar steps to encourage their U.S. employees to get a vaccine include Dollar General, German supermarket chain Aldi, Instacart and Trader Joe’s.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over 75 and essential workers are scheduled to receive the vaccine at a later stage, to medical staff and nursing home residents.
Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Edited by Ramakrishnan M.