Coronavirus Outbreak

Local Grocery Store Employees to Get Raises for Working During COVID-19 Outbreak

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Local grocery stores are giving some of their employees who are working during the coronavirus outbreak a raise.

Stop & Shop is giving some of its employees a raise and additional paid sick leave and Big Y is also giving some of its employees a raise.

The United Food and Commercial Workers said Stop & Shop is giving all union employees and Peapod employees a 10-percent increase in pay during the coronavirus outbreak. Those workers will also receive two additional weeks of paid leave if they were to become sick.

"This essential pay and benefit increase will not only protect these hardworking men and women, it will help protect the food supply throughout our communities," UFCW International President Marc Perrone said in part in a release on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Stop & Shop announced they would operate on reduced hours and offer special shopping times for customers 60 and older as the coronavirus continues to spread.

Big Y is also giving its hourly employees a raise. In a tweet, the company said hourly employees will receive an extra $2.00 an hour starting Sunday, March 22, through Saturday, April 25.

The raise is for workers at all stores, the store support center, facilities and distribution, the company said.

So far, more than 190 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Connecticut and at least four people have died.

Coronavirus Symptoms

The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.

Coronavirus Prevention Steps

Steps for prevention from the CDC include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
    • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
    • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, such as to the grocery store
    • Coverings should not be placed on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
    • The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
    • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus

Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
  2. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
  3. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
  4. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.

  • If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.

The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.

Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.

You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.

Learn More About Coronavirus - COVID-19

Learn more here from the state about Coronavirus.


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