The company has announced that its employees will receive a one-time payment of $ 100 if they provide proof that they have received the full doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. Employees who are unable to get the vaccine for health or religious reasons may receive the payment if they take a health and safety training course, the company said in a news release.
“We know that the most effective defense against this pandemic is in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine and the continuation of the strict safety measures we have put in place in our stores, manufacturing facilities and supply chain,” said Dr. Marc Watkins said. Kroger’s medical chief in the statement. “We strongly encourage all customers and associates to receive the vaccine to limit the spread of COVID-19, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that they have access as soon as it is available.”
The Kroger Co. (KR) operates grocery stores under a number of names in 35 states.
The company said it will also spend an additional $ 50 million to thank and reward its employees, including a $ 100 credit store and 1,000 fuel points to its hourly leading grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center .
Earlier this week, the chain announced it would permanently close two Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores it owns in Long Beach, California to avoid requiring a $ 4 / hour fare payment by the city.
Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Dollar General and Instacart also announced that they will pay workers to encourage them to be vaccinated.
Health officials say there has been progress in the U.S. vaccination effort.
A total of 36,819,212 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine were administered in the US and the average of 7 days is 1.3 million doses per day, according to data published by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention on Friday.