Associate Wellness - Coronavirus Update

Our dedicated associates have gone above and beyond to serve our customers and communities when they need us most, and we’re committed to providing the resources and support to keep them and their families safe as they continue their remarkable effort.

How We’re Keeping Our Associates Safe

Associate Investments

Since March, we’ve invested more than $1 billion to reward our associates and safeguard associates and customers. These investments include associate bonuses, wage premiums, store credits and fuel points, paid leave, personal protective equipment and contributions to The Kroger Family of Companies Helping Hands fund.

Protective Facial Coverings

We are supplying and requiring our associates to wear protective masks or other facial coverings and requiring our customers to wear masks when shopping in our stores.

Free Associate Testing

We’re offering free COVID-19 testing to associates based on symptoms and medical need. The Kroger Health testing solutions allows our associates feel more empowered and knowledgeable about their health, creating safer stores and facilities.

Protective Barriers

We’ve installed protective barriers at check lanes and Pharmacy counters (as well as The Little Clinic and Starbucks) to protect both customers and associates.

Enhanced Cleaning Procedures

Our stores are cleaning commonly used areas more often, including cashier stations, self-checkouts, credit card terminals, conveyor belts and food service counters, and cleaning shelves when restocking products.

Emergency Leave Guidelines

We are continuing to enact our Emergency Leave Guidelines, allowing paid time off for associates diagnosed with COVID-19, placed under mandatory quarantine by their medical provider because of COVID-19 or practicing self-isolation for symptoms verified by an accredited health care professional. All eligible associates will receive their standard pay for up to two weeks (14 days).

For those affected by COVID-19, Kroger has also made $15 million available through the Kroger Family of Companies Helping Hands fund to provide financial assistance to associates who face hardship due to COVID-19.

Additional Health & Wellness Benefits

We’re providing access to mental health services and other benefits to support associates' holistic wellbeing during this stressful time. We also offer an associate hotline to ensure benefit questions are answered quickly.