Coronavirus: Grocery store workers classified as emergency workers
Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order on Sunday giving emergency workers childcare benefits
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Grocery store workers in Minnesota have been declared emergency workers as the state responds to the coronavirus crisis.
The declaration means that grocery store employees will have access to free childcare.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz signed an executive order on Sunday stating that workers who were critical to the state’s response to coronavirus would get the benefits.
Sanitation workers alongside food distribution drivers will also get the childcare benefits for their school age children.
The Minnesota Grocers Association praised Mr Walz’s decision, thanking him for supporting the industry at a critical time.
@GovTimWalz has classified “food distribution workers,” which is store clerks, stockers, etc, as Tier 2 emergency works. This allows frontline workers childcare as they serve and feed Minnesotans. Thank you @GovTimWalz for supporting our industry during this challenging time!”
Last week Mr Walz signed an executive order giving state workers paid sick leave if they were unable to work during the pandemic, according to US News.
According to the Covid Tracking Project at their last update, 82,571 had been tested so far in the US.
Their data shows that there have been 2,762 tests in Minnesota so far, with 77 positive and 2,865 negative.
Some 9,487 cases of the disease have been recorded so far in the US, and 157 deaths.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments