First COVID-19 Case Confirmed at US Amazon Warehouse...Growing Concerns Over Delivery Network Impact

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] An employee working at Amazon's logistics warehouse in the United States, the world's largest e-commerce company, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case among Amazon logistics warehouse employees in the U.S.

According to a report by CNBC on the 19th (local time), an employee working at an Amazon logistics warehouse located in Queens, New York, tested positive for COVID-19.

This logistics warehouse is located near LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, and is known to be smaller in scale compared to other Amazon logistics warehouses.

An Amazon spokesperson stated in a press release, "We have currently closed the facility to implement quarantine measures and sent all workers home," adding, "We are continuing to support the employees, including the confirmed case, and will cooperate closely with the authorities." Amazon also noted that the reopening date of the closed logistics warehouse is uncertain.

Previously, at least five employees tested positive at Amazon logistics warehouses located in Spain and Italy. In Italy, where two employees tested positive, the absentee rate among Amazon logistics warehouse workers has reached 30% in recent weeks. This has raised concerns about potential disruptions to Amazon's delivery network.

Additionally, some have focused on the fact that COVID-19 cases have emerged in logistics warehouses, raising fears that the virus could spread through the delivery network.

Amazon has promptly denied these concerns, stating that sufficient additional preventive measures are being taken.

An Amazon spokesperson explained, "We have implemented measures to protect employees at all facilities, including enhanced disinfection, social distancing, and additional distance between drivers and customers during deliveries," adding, "Door handles, stair railings, elevator buttons, lockers, touchscreens, and other surfaces are regularly cleaned."

Meanwhile, Amazon previously announced plans to hire an additional 100,000 employees in response to a surge in orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.