Two Miami Amazon workers test positive for coronavirus. Here’s how to handle packages safely
Two workers at an Amazon warehouse near Miami International Airport have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a worker at the facility and Amazon confirmed to the Miami Herald.
Employees at the warehouse, at 3200 NW 67th Ave., received text messages that two workers had tested positive. In two messages, one sent Friday and the other on Monday, Amazon told workers two employees had tested positive for COVID-19, according to screen captures obtained by the Herald.
The last day at the site for one of the workers was March 28, while the other worked until March 31.
One message read, “We wanted to let you know we have a confirmed case of COVID-19 at DMI3 [the warehouse] ... and consistent with our daily processes, the site has been undergoing multiple enhanced cleanings during this time.”
A worker at the warehouse told the Herald the site has a constant influx of hundreds of drivers per day, which includes Amazon, third party and flex drivers. Amazon flex drivers are similar to drivers on ride-share apps like Uber. They are local residents who work as pseudo-contractors.
“The potential impact of COVID-19 in this warehouse is huge,” the worker said.
While Amazon would not directly confirm or deny the cases, they did say they inform their employees of all confirmed cases through ways like the text messages sent to workers.
The company said all workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 receive up to two weeks of pay and unlimited unpaid time off through the end of April.
“We are supporting the individuals who are recovering. We are following guidelines from health officials and medical experts, and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of employees at our site. Our employees are heroes fighting for their communities and helping people get critical items they need in this crisis,” Amazon said in a statement.
The company would not disclose personal information of the workers so it is unknown whether the positive employees came in contact with delivered packages.
Experts say that it is unlikely that the novel coronavirus can spread through package delivery. The coronavirus can live on some surfaces for up to three days, but it can only stay on cardboard for about a day. On plastic, it can live up to 72 hours.
In an abundance of caution here are ways to handle packages during the pandemic:
▪ Limit face-to-face interactions. When ordering a package, leave special delivery instructions to leave the box at the door or in a locker.
▪ Wipe packages down. Most packages come with the product packing and the shipping container. Throw away the shipping package immediately and wipe down the product packaging.
▪ Leave the package outside. Leave the package in a remote and safe location outside your home for at least 24 hours, as the virus lives on cardboard for about that much time.
▪ Wash your hands, don’t touch your face. If you’re handling a package, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds afterward. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer.
Amazon is not the only essential business that services the public in South Florida that has had positive coronavirus cases.
At least nine Publix employees who work in Miami Shores, Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Cutler Bay, Boca Raton and in the Florida Keys have tested positive for COVID-19.
Other chains, such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, also have had workers test positive.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 11:31 AM.
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