Amazon workers track coronavirus cases themselves

Published

4 years ago

May 28, 2020

Amazon workers track coronavirus cases themselves

Usually Jana Jumpp works nights loading trucks at an Amazon facility the size of 28 soccer fields in Jeffersonville, Ind. Now, he spends it in his room, tapping on his slow computer.

Emails and Facebook messages from Amazon workers in warehouses across the country fell.

2 cases at DEW8

Additional covid19 cases in DML2

2 more confirmed cases @ Ric2. The total now is 11, which we have told.

He collected 52 new messages between Sunday and Wednesday afternoon this week. Jumpp said that the number could rise by 15 in one night.

A shopper at the Whole Foods Market in Washington, D.C., checks a packet of tomatoes.

(Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press)

Jumpp has a partner at Amazon’s Whole Foods, Katie Doan, who has been collecting cases since April 2. The two women never spoke, but they described almost the same work as breaking through bursts of private messages, searching Facebook groups, Reddit, Twitter and news outlets for infection reports, and carefully updating Google documents with numbers.

Jumpp and Doan, who until this week worked in a shop in Tustin, a city in Orange County, said they did this because their coworkers did not feel safe; they cannot measure the risk of reporting to work in their warehouse or store because Amazon will not tell them how many people are believed to be infected there.

On Wednesday, 343 Whole Foods workers tested positive, according to crowdsourced data in publicly available Google documents. Of these, 44 cases are in 24 store locations in California. At least four Whole Foods employees have died, including a manager at a store in Pasadena.

Across the country, Jumpp has documented 1,079 cases of coronavirus among warehouse workers on Wednesday, and confirmed nine deaths.

Aggregate numbers almost certainly reduce the spread of the virus between Whole Foods employees and Amazon warehouses.

But Amazon has challenged the idea that it must provide more complete data. An Amazon spokeswoman said the company did not track information at the site level but did not release aggregate figures because they might contain outdated information – cases that were resolved weeks or months ago – and thus not informative to workers.

Newsletter

Get our free Coronavirus Today newsletter

You can sometimes receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Total number of infections in the warehouse “Not very useful, “Said Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of global operations, at CBS “60 minutes” the interview aired in early May.

David Eisenman, director of the Center for Public Health and Disasters at UCLA’s Public Health Field School, disagrees. He said that the type of data, collected properly, was very important to reduce employee infections in the future and understand which types of workplaces and jobs were at high risk of contracting COVID-19.

“Saying aggregate data is as useless as pulling wool into your eyes. “Of course this is useful, we use it to open up the country again,” Eisenman said.

By law, Amazon has the right to stop the transparency created by Jfeed and Doan is trying to create it. Even though it is a food business It is recommended to report confirmed coronavirus cases to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, they were not required to do so.

It is not mandatory for companies to disclose infections to workers unless they are identified as close contacts and subject to quarantine, said District A’s Disease Control Bureau.

In a statement, Amazon spokeswoman Lisa Levandowski detailed steps taken by the company to protect workers, such as applying social distance, increasing disinfectant spraying, checking temperature and distributing personal protective equipment.

“Our main concern is ensuring the health and safety of our employees, and we expect to invest around $ 4 billion from April to June in COVID-related initiatives to get products to customers and keep employees safe,” Levandowski said. “This includes spending more than $ 800 million in the first half of this year on COVID-19 security measures.”

After someone at the Amazon or Whole Foods facility tests positive for COVID-19, their coworkers usually receive an alert in the form of text or automated voice messages. “We continue to follow the CDC guidelines and will notify anyone who may have close contacts. We have taken steps to keep you safe, “a typical notification sounds.

Jumpp, who manages the Amazon case list with the help of several other employees, includes cases in his calculations only when he can confirm them with documentation: screenshots of internal company texts or downloaded voice messages.

Unlike the Jumpp calculation, the Whole Foods list also includes references to cases posted on Reddit and Twitter. The above disclaimer says that cases sourced from social media that are flagged are not “100% verified.”

Complicating these efforts is the patching of the notification system. Workers sometimes receive notifications only after long delays. Sometimes they never come.

At a Whole Foods store in Laguna Niguel in Orange County, where at least four workers were tested positive, notifications were randomly issued. One employee said he received an automated voice message about the first confirmed case but not the next text warning. He asked not to be named because he was afraid of the professional impact.

Kai Lattomus, an employee in the same store, has received all four notifications. But when he mentioned it to coworkers, he said, “more than half the people you will ask don’t know, and you just told them.”

April 2 Times confirms that a third worker was tested positive at the Amazon fulfillment center in Riverside County, but the employee did not receive company notice until five days later. Employees file a complaint with state and district regulators stating that the delay puts thousands of workers at the facility at risk.

Amazon Warehouse and Whole Foods employees say that when the number of cases in a facility or store increases, the company usually becomes less open.

On May 8, an employee at CVG2, a warehouse in Hebron, Ky., Received a notification “confirmed additional cases” at the facility and forwarded it to Jumpp. Although the previous message has determined the number of additional cases, this one does not.

Jumpp updated the count, changing the count for CVG2 from four to five.

But three days later, a worker at CVG2 contacted Jumpp to say his calculations for the facility were inactive.

In an internal memo on May 11, General Manager Paul Swaim said the facility actually had 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases. He said he had received feedback from employees that the company’s text notification system was often broken or sometimes not at all.

“I realize that this confusion might lead to a feeling that we are lacking transparency in the total number of cases on the site,” he wrote, according to screenshots of a memo reviewed by The Times. “I am pleased to provide this information to you at any time – please ask.”

Failures in communication cannot always be attributed to technology.

At Whole Foods on Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street in Los Angeles, two employees – who requested anonymity – suspected that something had happened on the morning of April 2. A supervisor who accidentally told a buyer on Amazon that if workers stand within six feet of someone else, it could happen. reasons for termination of employment. Other educated night employees were told not to enter because deep cleaning was scheduled. When the first employee asked the supervisor if someone had tested positive, he was told to stop spreading rumors.

The two employees woke up the next morning to an automated mailbox notifying them of the first confirmed case of coronavirus in their store.

When asked how in the morning the store manager found out about the confirmed case and why the worker was told otherwise, Whole Foods spokeswoman Rachel Malish said in an email that the company could not “go into full details because it respected our privacy.” Team Member. “

Fairfax and 3rd Street stores have since had three additional workers tested positive for the virus.

Levandowski, an Amazon spokesman, said the company checked the video footage of employees who tested positive and contacted workers known to be within six feet of an infected individual for more than 15 minutes. A Whole Foods spokesman said reviewing the video footage was not the only way the company identified workers who might have close contact with diagnosed individuals, but did not determine the company’s other methods.

But many employees say that’s not enough. They feel they are making decisions in the dark because their supervisors refuse to disclose information that can help, such as which departments tested positively working where and in which stores they spend time.

“Many of the workers we talked about felt that they didn’t provide enough information and that caused a lot of stress and anxiety. And it’s also a safety hazard, because they don’t know the level of vigilance that must be had and what precautions to take, “said Tim Shadix, legal director of the Warehouse Workers Resource Center workforce advocacy group.

Levandowski said the company refused to provide additional information, such as work stations or individual departments, for privacy reasons. He said the company had not yet heard of problems with workers who received text notifications about new cases.

“The Whole Foods market provides important services in our community and like all businesses operating in this climate, we continue to balance that responsibility with our responsibilities as employers,” a Whole Foods spokeswoman said in a statement. “Every diagnosis notification in our store is filled with fast and comprehensive action and communication.”

The question of what the company’s job should be to tell its workers about the coronavirus case is “uncharted waters,” said Laura Stock, executive director of the UC Berkeley Labor Occupational Health Program.

California occupational health and safety laws require employers to keep records of all injuries and illnesses at work. That note, called “Log 300,” should be available to workers on request.

Because coronavirus is a relatively new workplace hazard, the law has not been tested in connection with a pandemic, as far as Stock knows.

But a Executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this month could support the argument that coronavirus is a work-related disease that needs to be recorded in the company’s 300 Logs, Stock said. The order stipulates the assumption in workers’ compensation claims that every important worker who is infected with COVID-19 has a virus at work.

Levandowski said he was not familiar with the rules, and could not comment on whether the company recorded coronavirus cases as part of its logs.

On the warehouse floor, the increasing demand for online orders since the beginning of the pandemic has stressed workers. Delivery of 27,000 pairs of shoes may come to the facility on certain days; rainbow boxes, some labeled with brand names, are stacked lined up on towering orange carts.

More and more people have returned to work since Amazon ended its policies at the beginning of the pandemic, which allowed workers to take unlimited unpaid leave without penalty. Whole Foods employees, worried about security risks, will see the company remove a $ 2 coronavirus-related pay rise at the end of May.

Jumpp has time to track down the case because he hasn’t been coming to work since the end of February; he requested additional unpaid leave in March as soon as the company offered him an option because of the plague. Since he left, one of his colleagues at the facility has died.

He does not plan to return to work at Amazon. “I don’t feel safe,” he said.

Doan continued to work at Whole Foods until Wednesday; He said he was fired after leaving work without leaving during a panic attack. (Whole Foods was unable to comment immediately.) He was pulled aside by his superiors for the team crowd last week. There was another confirmed coronavirus infection in his shop, he said.

That night, he added it to Google documents, and the number of cases increased.

Goodwin Townsend

General internet buff. Hardcore music maven. Typical foodaholic. Friendly student.

All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care

Published

7 days ago

October 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.

How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?

The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.

Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.

How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?

Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?

Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:

Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?

When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.

If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.

What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?

Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:

– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.

– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.

– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.

– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.

Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?

If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:

– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.

– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite

Published

4 weeks ago

September 26, 2024

Herb Adkins

When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.

Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.

Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.

European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.

Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

Published

1 month ago

September 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.