As we continue to deal with the realities of self-quarantine, social distancing, and business closures—there are still those establishments determined to remain open during the current coronavirus crisis. GameStop is allegedly telling employees to simply place plastic bags on their hands in order to continue working despite the jeopardy to their health.
According to the @BostonGlobe, GameStop employees in Boston, Massachusetts have allegedly been instructed to wrap their hands in plastic bags in order for the company to operate curbside pickup, which is not considered an “essential” service. GameStop has faced intense criticism for remaining open during the coronavirus outbreak and finally decided to close stores to customers after intense scrutiny, which is when the video game retail chain decided a few days ago to operate curbside-only.
Based on reports from some local workers in Massachusetts, they have allegedly been instructed to “wrap a plastic bag around one hand to protect it from exposure to the virus, open the door a crack, and take the customer’s credit card. Employees are then directed to scan the card with one hand still inside in the bag, then flip the bag inside out and leave the card inside, put the purchase in the bag, and finally hand it back through the door.” GameStop managers allegedly received these orders from the district leader.
In a statement, a manager stated this about the alleged orders:
“I have to make a choice between doing a job that nobody needs during a pandemic and not being paid, and possibly infecting people or being infected. We know for a fact the disease is contagious even when you’re asymptomatic.”
As of right now, GameStop has not publicly responded to these new allegations from Massachusetts employees.
