Walmart has hired 200,000 workers during coronavirus pandemic

Walmart announced Thursday that it has hired 200,000 workers across the U.S. amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Company executive Donna Morris said in a statement that Walmart was “humbled” to have been able to hire thousands for part-time or full-time positions during the pandemic, at a time when many businesses across the country have shuttered, forcing millions into unemployment.

“[W]e’ve fulfilled our commitment to hire 200,000 associates in our stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers, since March 19. We are humbled to be able to give an opportunity to so many Americans to work, often serving as a bridge for employment, while helping Walmart better serve customers during this time of increased demand,” Morris said.

“Our focus on our associates’ health and safety continues. We’re conducting health screens and daily temperature checks and providing masks and gloves to all associates. We’ve also added sneeze guards at registers, limited the number of customers in stores, installed social distancing signage and instituted sanitation protocols,” she added.

The company had initially planned to make 150,000 new hires by the end of May.

The news comes amid announcements of layoffs or furloughs across the U.S. economy as many sectors were forced to shut down in March due to fears of coronavirus.

Walmart, which operated over 4,700 stores in the U.S., was not forced to close its locations due to guidelines allowing essential businesses to remain open.

The chain has also expanded its paid leave policy, and announced bonuses for many employees.