ROMULUS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, fear is growing inside and outside the Amazon Distribution Center in Romulus.
An internal message shared with 7 Action News said an employee at the location tested positive for COVID-19 and was last seen at the site on March 17.
Alan Card Jr. a robotic technician said he's worked at the distribution center since October. He claims social distancing is impossible inside the facility, where he comes into contact with hundreds of coworkers each day.
"I come in contact with 300 to 500 people per day on my shift," Card said. "We have limited supply of mask and gloves."
Hundreds of employees and contractors have signed a petition urging the retail giant to do more to protect its staff.
Amazon released this statement to 7 Action News:
"We are supporting the individual who is recovering. We are following guidelines from health officials and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of employees at our site. You can read more about all we’re doing to protect employees and partners here."
Card said a safety member informed him that the employee tested positive for the virus. He said no details were offered about where the employee worked inside the facility.
"I have a 7-year-old and a 19-month-old," Card said. "I don't want to bring back to the virus to the house."
There is currently a critical need for online purchasing an delivery and millions are turning to the Amazon. The company plans to hire 100,000 new workers to help with the flood of orders.
At least six employees across the country have tested positive for the novel virus including, New York, Kentucky, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Brownstone, Michigan.
Some locations shutdown for cleaning and staff member have been quarantined.
The company has released some details about their COVID-19 response efforts on their website: https://blog.aboutamazon.com/company-news/amazons-actions-to-help-employees-communities-and-customers-affected-by-covid-19
Now, here's a few tips about delivery boxes.
There's evidence the coronavirus can live on certain surfaces like cardboard for hours, but that doesn't mean you'll get COVID-19.
Some experts suggest wiping down the box with a disinfectant wipe or leaving it in the garage for a few days could prevent the spread.
The CDC says it isn't likely the virus can survive in long transit.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
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View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
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