In the emergence of COVID-19, grocery stores took a direct hit when authorities required them to abide by the safety protocols to avoid even more spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in their stores.
To prevent and keep the surge of positive cases at bay, Trader Joe's employee incentive will be available to those who will get vaccinated. At the same time, grocery store Hy Vee conducts COVID Rapid testing for their customers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes several key measures like upgrading cleaning and sanitation measures and educating the staff about what to do to protect themselves and others from the virus.
But because there are still COVID-19 cases amid the rolling of the vaccine, groceries like Hy Vee and Trader Joe's thought of a way to somehow help the community.
Trader Joe's employee incentive
Customers wait in line to enter the Trader Joe's store in South Beach on April 14, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Eat This Not That reports that grocery company Trader Joe's reveals that the employees' schedule will be shifted to allow more than 50,000 employees who decide to get vaccinated to make immune against the notorious virus.
Yahoo! Life mentions that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires two doses, making Trader Joe's pay their employees for about 2 hours of work per dose.
Moreover, Eat This Not That mentions in MSN that the grocery store employees receive $2 per hour of additional pay.
Read also: Grocery Prices Rise in US as Pandemic Disrupts Supply Chains
According to Pew Research Center, 21 percent of American adults do not plan to get vaccinated and are pretty confident that more information will not change their minds.
This only means that not all Americans favor getting vaccinated, even with the efforts of authorities and various organizations about its perks.
Aside from the incentives, Trader Joe's will honor their employees who will avail of the vaccine.
All employees are also paid-for sick time, a wellness check, enhanced routine cleanings, mandatory face coverings, plexiglass barriers, and hygiene reminders.
Hy-Vee COVID Rapid Testing
Meanwhile, Hy Vee offers a service that will benefit the entire community as they launch and offer COVID rapid testing to more than 250 pharmacy locations, according to Supermarket News.
Eat This Not That adds that the antibody testing offered by Hy Vee will have the results of the testing available as quickly as 15 minutes. They further that the diagnosis will also tell if a customer has already contracted the virus at some point (unknowingly).
However, Hy-Vee emphasizes Yahoo! Life that customers should be aware that the specific fingerstick test is designed especially for antibodies.
They should refrain from coming to the store if they feel COVID-19 is already manifesting within them. Supermarket News points out that the rapid test is available by appointment.
Customers who would like to avail of the diagnostic test should register online at hy-vee.com/covidtesting and choose an antibody test to schedule an appointment.
They further that children ages six years and older can receive the examination provided that they are escorted by their parents, costing $25, but Hy Vee notes that they will accept any type of payment.
Trader Joe's employee incentive alongside Hy-Vee's COVID rapid testing will significantly impact keeping the virus at bay and controlling the positive cases of COVID-19; more Americans will be convinced to avail the vaccine and get tested to be safe amid pandemics with these initiatives.
Related article: 5 Practical Tips to Save Money with Grocery Delivery
WATCH: How to Safely Grocery Shop During the COVID-19 Pandemic from CBC News
