The initial regarded COVID-19 dying among the Amazon’s workforce happened two weeks back, according to a new report from Organization Insider.

Gerard Tuzara, an operations supervisor at a fulfillment center in Southern California died from the virus on March 31. Amazon verified the news to Company Insider. Communityreached out to Amazon to comment and we will update this tale when we hear back.

Tuzara traveled to Mexico from March 6-20 and began enduring signs or symptoms on March 26. He was hospitalized at that time.

It is not obvious when Tuzara contracted the virus but the Hawthorne facility where by he worked is one particular of dozens of Amazon services with COVID-19 outbreaks.

The increasing cases amongst Amazon’s workforce have ignited criticism amongst labor activists and politicians. A few Amazon personnel who publicly referred to as for broader security protections at success facilities have been fired in the past thirty day period.

Amazon claims it has carried out a lot more than 150 procedure adjustments to protect employees, such as temperature screening at fulfillment facilities and Entire Foods stores. The firm elevated its minimum amount wage by $2 per hour and expanded its ill depart guidelines.

Amazon is grappling with unprecedented desire from shoppers turning to the organization for family goods, groceries, and other objects. Amazon employed 100,000 new warehouse personnel to retain up with the need and options to insert an added 75,000.