Amazon Interns to Participate Virtually; Employee COVID-19 Protections Outlined

Amazon said it will host 8,000 interns this summer. In addition to an online curriculum, the internship will include mentoring, moderated group discussions, ways to connect with other interns, weekly “fireside chats” with senior leaders and networking, it blogged Friday. The company outlined actions it has taken to ensure employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. At its New York fulfillment center, it instituted enhanced cleaning and social distancing, including “disinfectant fog.” It distributed “millions" of masks to employees and delivery service partners, it said, reserving N-95 masks it receives for healthcare workers. Amazon has had slower delivery times as it changed its logistics, transportation, supply chain, purchasing and third-party seller processes to prioritize stocking and delivering of high-priority items, it said. It temporarily extended the return window. Most items ordered from Amazon or its sellers March 1-April 30 can be sent back by May 31.