Kroger to offer free COVID-19 testing to employees

The Kroger Co. is taking additional measures to protect the health of its frontline employees.

The nation’s largest supermarket retailer said that, starting this month, it is making free COVID-19 testing available to employees who work at stores, distribution centers, and other facilities, based on symptoms and medical need. Employees will be able to get a self-administered test kit or make an appointment for a test at a drive-thru testing site run by Kroger’s health-care division, Kroger Health.

The grocer, whose banners include Kroger, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeters, and others, has nearly half a million associates.

“The widespread availability of diagnostic testing will now allow our associates to feel more empowered and knowledgeable about their health, creating safer stores and facilities,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health.

Kroger also announced it has released its third installment of Sharing What We’ve Learned: A Blueprint for Businesses, a guide to help retailers as they make plans to reopen stores that were closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The latest installment focuses on the needs, well-being, and health of employees in various workplace settings. The resource is available to download at KrogerBlueprint.com.