Fresno Amazon employee has coronavirus. Workers wonder why they weren’t notified earlier

An employee at Amazon’s Fresno warehouse tested positive for COVID-19, according to a text message sent to all warehouse workers Wednesday evening.

Five warehouse employees spoke to The Fresno Bee on condition of anonymity out of fear of losing their jobs. All five confirmed receiving the text message from the company.

The associate was last at the warehouse on March 9, according to the message.

“This employee’s last day was March 9, and we were just advised yesterday?” an employee said. “I have a lot of anxiety about it, so seeing the text pissed me off big-time.”

It remains unclear whether the employee contracted the virus before or after that day, but an Amazon spokesperson said whenever an employee tests positive, the company immediately notifies the rest of the staff.

“We are supporting the individual who is recovering,” Alyssa Bronikowski, an Amazon spokesperson, told The Bee. “We are following guidelines from health officials and medical experts, and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of employees at our site.”

Amazon has said all employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed into quarantine will receive up to two weeks of paid time off. Employees may also take unlimited unpaid time off.

“We understand that you may be nervous about coming to work,” the text message from Amazon said. “Individuals will not be penalized for any absences. And, if you feel sick, please STAY home.”

Safety measures at the Fresno Amazon warehouse have ramped up in recent weeks, the company reported.

As of last week, employees were checked for fevers as they walked in, and their work stations were staggered. Taped boundaries help space out employees by at least 6 feet, and only one employee is allowed to sit at a table in the break room. Amazon warehouses have masks for their workers, a company spokesperson said.

But Amazon continues to hire new employees, and some workers have an easier time distancing themselves than others.

“You have water spiders, who have to go through and make sure everyone has the supplies they need to keep packing, and so that’s where you have people crossing back and forth,” said an employee who sorts items into bins. “And at the same time, Amazon keeps hiring more people. Now you have learning ambassadors who are taking new hires around in groups of at least three. It’s too much of a mess.”

Another employee told The Bee she stayed away from the warehouse after receiving the news, but won’t be able to remain home for long.

“My son is 7, and it scares me,” she said. “I’m the only provider for now, and I have rent to pay. I have bills. So it’s very difficult if I don’t go into work to not have any pay.”

This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 12:54 PM.