Walmart Hiring 2,400 Workers In NJ Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

NEW JERSEY — Walmart has announced it is hiring more than 2,400 workers in New Jersey to meet the growing demand for groceries and paper products as residents across New Jersey stay home as amid efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The jobs are in its stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers, the company said in a news release, and include full-time, part-time and temporary positions.

With thousands of people being out of work currently because of shutdowns due to the virus, Walmart officials said the company is expediting its hiring process. People can apply online, get hired and begin working in a distribution center or fulfillment center in as little as 24 hours.

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Distribution center workers start between $17 and $18 per hour. Fulfillment center workers start at $15 and $19 per hour, which represents a temporary pay increase of $2 per hour, through Memorial Day. Walmart has a supply chain location in Pedricktown, in Salem County, in addition to stores across the state.

To apply to work for Walmart, visit the company’s careers site.

As of Monday afternoon, there were 2,844 positive tests for COVID-19 in New Jersey, and 27 people have died from it, according to the state health department.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Read more: J Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know