Coronavirus News: GameStop Tells Employees To Tape A ‘Plastic Bag Over Your Hand And Arm’

GameStop (GME) has reportedly come under criticism from its employees that claim that video game retailer is not doing enough to protect them from the coronavirus. GameStop announced that it was closing all its stores on March 22, instead, relying on curbside pick-up for orders.

The company was one of the hold-out stores that argued that it was an essential business because it reportedly enabled and enhanced “our customers’ experience in working from home.” Its employees, who are still working during the COVID-19 pandemic, argued otherwise circulating a memo from GameStop executives that was obtained by the Boston Globe.

The memo called for employees to cover their hands and arms with plastic bags when they were assisting customers. The memo read in part, according to the news outlet, “Lightly (you want to be able to get it off easily) tape a Game Stop plastic bag over your hand and arm. Do not open the door all the way — keep the glass between you and the guest's face — just reach out your arm.”

GameStop manager Joey Mooring told Business Insider that "With employee and customer safety as our paramount concern, we've closed all our stores to customer access. Where provided for by state and local directives, we are only processing orders on a digital basis through our new curbside Delivery@Door pick-up service. Only employees may enter our stores at this time.

“Importantly, all GameStop employees have been assured that they do not have to work if they are not comfortable, or need to stay home to care for a family member. While GameStop is best known as a provider of gaming and home entertainment systems, we also offer a wide array of products and devices that are important to facilitate remote work, distance learning, and virtual connectivity.”

GameStop reportedly announced last week during its earnings call that it would be permanently closing over 300 stores in 2020 as it looks to compete against streaming games and the slower than expected turnover of gaming consoles. The retailer has seen its stock value drop significantly over the last year, and it has been plagued with worker layoffs.

Shares of GameStop stock were down 13.1517% as of 3:35 p.m. EDT on Monday.