Just a matter of time

Wegmans has not yet reported any worker as having been diagnosed with coronavirus.

It’s only a matter of time.

Exposure, even with the new sanitary and social-distancing measures imposed by the company, is too high. Stores are too full. Out of negligence, ignorance or financial concerns, too many people are taking too many risks.

The disease already has popped up in other supermarket chains, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods.

Yet market workers are considered essential, and must continue constant contact with the public and with fellow employees.

They are, as Reuters describes them, “unlikely heroes.”

I don’t mean to overstate this. The most endangered workers are the expected heroes, the medical and emergency personnel. What is unexpected and unacceptable for those brave souls is that they should have to confront grossly inadequate testing and a dearth of protective equipment.

Across the board, essential workers are rising to the occasion despite a lack of leadership in government and business.

As for the unlikely heroes, the low-level workers at grocery stores, pharmacies, warehouses, and other operations deemed essential, they deserve more. Not only more money and more sick pay, but more information.

They should know – before a coworker falls ill – how their employers will handle such diagnoses. How will these cases be reported? How will sick employees be cared for, medically and financially? Who else will be tested and who will pay for the tests?

Online, Wegmans posts vague updates on its press page, and messages of gratitude on its employee pages. Workers with questions about the virus are encouraged to ask their supervisors.

But this is no longer a private conversation. Employees and customers warrant full disclosure.

Update: Officials in Onondaga County, NY, announced on March 31 that an employee of the DeWitt Wegmans had been diagnosed with Covid-19.