Coronavirus: Kroger providing free testing for employees

Officials with The Kroger Company announced plans Monday to provide free COVID-19 testing to its front-line employees.

In a statement, officials said the tests provided to employees will either be self-administered or administered by health care workers at any of the company's 50 drive-thru testing locations in any of a dozen states. The tests will be administered based on an employee's symptoms and medical need, according to company officials.

"The widespread availability of diagnostic testing will now allow our associates to feel more empowered and knowledgeable about their health, creating safer stores and facilities," Kroger Health President Colleen Lindholz said.

The company has provided personal protective equipment to its employees, including masks and new Plexiglass partitions at check stands meant to promote physical distancing. Last month, the company announced it would continue operations at its grocery stores but impose a customer limit of no more than 50% capacity.

Several front-line workers have contracted coronavirus infections or died of the viral infection. Last month, MLive.com reported four Kroger employees died in the Detroit area after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Officials with the Meijer grocery chain said one of the company’s employees also died last month of COVID-19, according to WZZM.

Kroger officials said Monday that they remain committed to keeping their employees safe as the threat posed by the novel coronavirus continues.

"Our associates have worked tirelessly to provide communities continued access to fresh, affordable food," Kroger's senior vice president, Tim Massa, said. "We are dedicated to providing support and gratitude to our associates across the country."

Kroger operates 45 distribution centers and more than 2,700 grocery and multi-department stores in 35 states and Washington DC.