How companies are taking care of employees in light of the coronavirus

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Uber said drivers who test positive for the virus or are asked to self-isolate by public health officials will get “financial assistance” for up to two weeks. Drivers will get assistance based on how much money they made each day over the last six months.

Uber Drivers Coronavirus

Uber drivers get financial assistance based on their average daily earnings over the last six months.

Mario Tama/Getty Images


Source: Uber, Uber

Lyft’s policy is similar to Uber’s, except Lyft employees’ financial assistance is based on how much money they made each day over the last four weeks.

lyft driver

Lyft drivers get financial assistance based on their average daily earnings over the last month.

Mike Coppola / Staff/Getty Images


Source: Lyft

Starbucks is offering what’s called “catastrophe pay” to workers who have been exposed to the virus and workers who are most vulnerable to the virus and have a doctor’s note. This means they’ll be paid for up to two weeks while staying home to prevent the spread of the virus. Employees who are experiencing symptoms can also get catastrophe pay for up to three days. Starbucks has also switched to-go orders only.

Palm Springs Ralph's starbucks

A Starbucks location in Palm Springs, Florida.

Shoshy Ciment/Business Insider


Source: USA Today, USA Today

Instacart’s employees will receive up to two weeks of paid time off if they’ve been diagnosed with the virus or have been ordered by a public health official to self-isolate or quarantine. Instacart also recently introduced a new sick pay policy for all of its workers in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instacart grocery store

An Instacart grocery store.

Biz Carson/Business Insider


Source: Medium

After the NBA season was suspended for at least 30 days, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who also owns half of the arena where the team plays, told the New York Times that all arena employees are being paid as if the games were still happening.

mark cuban dallas mavericks

Mark Cuban (left) owns the Dallas Mavericks.

AP Photo/Brandon Wade


Source: The New York Times

Since the season was suspended, several NBA players have tested positive for the virus, and the whole season is suspended until at least mid-June. More than 20 of the 30 NBA teams have announced plans to compensate arena workers.

NBA Finals

NBA finals in 2018.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP


Source: The New York Times, Business Insider, Sports Illustrated

The NHL also announced that it is suspending its season until further notice, and 11 of 31 teams have announced plans to pay arena workers so far, including The New Jersey Devils, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Philadelphia Flyers.

John Scott NHL

John Scott #28 of the Arizona Coyotes sets up in front of Ryan Murray #27 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game.

Getty/Christian Petersen


Source: CBS Sports

The MLB season is also delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, and all 30 MLB teams pledged to donate $1 million each to pay arena workers through this time.

Aaron Judge celebration Yankees

Yankees celebrate during a game.

Mike Stobe/Getty Images


Source: ESPN

Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People are closed temporarily to prevent the spread of the virus. Store employees will continue to be paid, and employees who are able to will work remotely through the closures.

Urban Outfitters

An Urban Outfitters storefront in New York City.


Scott Eells / Getty Images



Source: USA Today

Bath & Body Works announced it would close all stores in the US and Canada temporarily on March 17. Employees will be paid through this time.

Bath and Body Works Black Friday

A Bath & Body Works storefront.

Sarah Jacobs/Business Insider


Sources: Bath & Body Works, Business Insider

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