COLUMBUS, Ohio — Day by day, Governor Mike DeWine has announced another business or industry that is being forced to close to protect workers and you against the spread of COVID-19.
Nearly 140,000 filed for unemployment this week in Ohio. Compare that to fewer than 5,000 last week.
“I'm fully aware that some of our orders have caused people to lose their jobs. I fully understand that. Each one of those orders was thought out, agonized over. I made those decisions because I thought the evidence was clear that these actions would save lives,” explained Governor DeWine.
With so many businesses closed, and many working from home, grocery stores have been on high demand.
“I've never seen anything like it in all my 30 years of retail,” said Meijer Store Director, Johanna Harper.
“Grocery stores, they are hiring. Some are offering bonuses for people who are working there and people who sign on. They are essential to our supply chain and they ask that everybody be patient and cooperative and treat their employees and customers with respect. We have to respect each other,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
Walmart announced they are planning on hiring 150,000 temporary workers by the end of May.
Giant Eagle is also hiring.
Meijer stores plan on hiring 30-40 additional employees per store.
“My store alone, we are looking to hire between 50-60-75 people. We need some helping hands,” Harper explained.
With so much demand, stores are hoping to hire soon to keep the carts full.
Grocery stores in our area have already reduced their hours. Meijer stores are usually open 24 hours a day. They too are reducing their hours. It will give their workers a chance to disinfect the store and restock shelves.
Click here for our special coronavirus section.
RELATED: Cleveland non-profit in high demand amid COVID-19 pandemic, needs help to fight digital divide