Myer shuts stores due to virus

RETAIL giant Myer will close all of its stores and stand down about 10,000 staff without pay in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement published to the Australian Stock Exchange last night, Myer said it would temporarily close all stores from the close of business tomorrow for an initial period of four weeks.

“The health and wellbeing of customers, team members, their families and the broader communities in which we operate remains Myer’s absolute priority,” the statement said.

“We are, therefore, fully supportive of the various measures undertaken by both governments, and their respective agencies, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through social isolation and distancing measures, including staying at home, wherever possible.” Myer will continue to operate all online business.

The “difficult decision” has also been made to stand down about 10,000 team members from Monday, the statement said. As staff will not be working they will not be paid, however full-time and part-time staff will have greater flexibility to access annual leave and long-service entitlements.

A small group of “businesscritical roles” will be maintained, the statement said.

Myer chief executive John King said the outcome is “one of the toughest decisions this company has faced in its 120 years of operation”.

SHILOH PAYNE

A HEALTHCARE worker has spotted a group of about 15 men gathering outside a restaurant, as she made her way home from a long shift at a local hospital.

Amanda Park, who works at least 10-hour shifts in operating theatres at a Gold Coast public hospital, said she could not believe what she had seen as she drove through Canungra in the Scenic Rim.

“We’re putting all of our coronavirus strategies in place, we’re hearing news of one in 10 healthcare workers getting the virus overseas and then I drive past and see this,” she said. With a daughter in Year 12 at home self-isolating and an aunty with respiratory issues nearby, Ms Park said she felt tired and frustrated.

“I think we’re trying to get our families safe. I’ve got an aunty with COPD who lives locally here, trying to keep herself safe because she’s vulnerable and just to see that makes you throw your hands in the air,” she said.