CVS Health Looking To Hire 50,000 More Workers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

CVS Health has announced it is looking to hire 50,000 employees across the country to keep up with the increased demand for medicines, prescriptions, and other items during the coronavirus outbreak.

According to a CVS press release, the chain said it would need an infusion of store associates, home delivery drivers, distribution center employees, and customer service professionals. CVS is hiring all shifts and temporary roles. The company said it would use virtual job fairs, virtual interviews, and tech-enabled job tryouts to make new hires.

“Our colleagues have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing essential goods and services at a time when they’re needed most,” Larry Merlo, president and CEO, CVS Health said in the release. “As they continue to be there for the individuals and families we serve, we’re taking extra steps to provide some peace of mind and help them navigate these uncertain times.”

To entice workers, bonuses ranging from $150 to $500 will be awarded to all employees on the frontlines, including store associates, managers, and other site-based hourly employees.

CVS also needs workers to assist at drive-thru coronavirus testing sites. The first site opened in the parking lot of a CVS store in Massachusetts, but it will only test first responders and healthcare workers. The company added it would give 24 hours of paid sick leave to part-time employees and workers who test positive or need to be quarantined and will receive 14 days of paid leave.

Walmart has also announced that it is planning to hire more workers and is streamlining its hiring process to 24 hours between applying for and getting a job. The supermarket giant is also giving cash bonuses. Trader Joe’s is also looking for more workers and plans to share the increased revenue with workers amid the crisis.

The coronavirus outbreak is already leading to layoffs with some estimates predicting as much as 14 million people being laid off in the U.S. before the crisis ends.