CAMP HILL, Pa. — As part of an expanded response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rite Aid said Monday that it will hire 5,000 associates for full and part-time roles across the country to support store and distribution center teams. Positions will include cashiers, pharmacy technicians and distribution center associates.

Rite Aid Associates

Rite Aid associates are key to providing communities with medications, essential supplies and COVID-19 related information. To show appreciation for their exceptional commitment, Rite Aid created a Hero Program to recognize their efforts.

As part of that program, hourly associates (who work in Rite Aid stores, RediClinic locations or distribution centers) are receiving a Hero Pay increase of $2 per hour, which began March 15, 2020, and is to last through at least May 2, 2020. Additionally, current retail store management, including pharmacists, distribution center management and RediClinic professional associates, have received a Hero Bonus of $1,000. Rite Aid also increased its associate discount to 35% beginning Tuesday, March 24, until at least the end of April 2020.

Rite Aid has also established specific guidelines related to leave of absence related to COVID-19 to provide greater flexibility for those impacted by the virus. This includes a “Pandemic Pay” policy, which ensures associates are compensated if diagnosed with the virus or quarantined because of exposure.

Rite Aid has implemented specific internal protocols during the pandemic to keep its  associates safe and ready to serve customers. In addition to allowing associates to wear masks and gloves at their discretion, Rite Aid is making enhancements to the many health and safety procedures already in place at its stores. The company is in the process of installing plexiglas shields at pharmacy and front-end counters to provide additional protection for associates and customers.

“Rite Aid is on the front lines in helping Americans cope with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Heyward Donigan, president and chief executive officer of Rite Aid. “We are working around the clock to ensure we are doing our part to provide Rite Aid’s associates, customers, and communities with what they need during these unprecedented times – from medication delivery to ensuring clean, safe and stocked stores. I couldn’t be more proud of the tireless work and dedication of the entire team – from our store associates and pharmacists to all those in our distribution facilities and across our supply chain. They have shown the true meaning of teamwork and commitment to meet the challenges our neighbors and country are facing, and I thank them.”

Rite Aid Customers

To serve the essential needs of patients, RediClinic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rite Aid, launched a new telehealth service, RediClinic@Home. The new virtual health program connects patients to RediClinic clinicians through a video chat using a patient’s browser-enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop device. In the comfort and safety of their homes, patients have the ability to check in and register online. A provider then reviews their intake form from their remote location and initiates the virtual care video visit.

RediClinic Home video visits are currently available in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Texas. Most insurance plans are accepted or patients can pay $49 per visit. Patients can visit www.RediClinic.com for additional information about the service.

For the safety of seniors, the company has designated 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day as a senior shopping hour to limit exposure for customers 60 and older. Additionally, each Wednesday in April, Rite Aid is offering a 30% discount to wellness+ rewards members over 65.

Rite Aid has also established social distancing procedures that include marking floor areas in front of the pharmacy and front-end counters with tape to ensure 6-foot separation.

Rite Aid is adhering to any limits set by local municipalities regarding the number of customers allowed to shop at any one time in stores.

The company has also established a strict protocol when an associate is confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19, including closing the store for a comprehensive sanitizing regimen that ensures the store is germ-free before reopening.

Rite Aid has taken these measures to minimize risk in its stores, offices and distribution centers so that the company can continue to serve as a critical healthcare resource to people across the country. The company continues to monitor the situation closely and take actions to protect its associates, customers, and  communities it serves. Rite Aid also encourages visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most up-to-date information and facts on COVID-19.

Rite Aid and COVID-19 – Additional Information

Medication Availability/Delivery

Home-delivery service from Rite Aid is available upon request and the company will waive delivery-service fees for eligible prescriptions. Customers should contact their local Rite Aid pharmacist for details. Controlled substances and/or refrigerated medications are not eligible for delivery.

In addition to home delivery, Rite Aid offers drive-throughs for pickup of prescriptions and over-the-counter products at more than 50 percent of its 2,400+ retail locations. Consumers are also encouraged to shop RiteAid.com for health and wellness products. Healthcare professionals and pharmacists are available 24/7 to Rite Aid wellness+ rewards program members at 1-800-Rite Aid, or through live chat on www.riteaid.com.

To ensure consumers have access to the medications they need, Rite Aid pharmacists are partnering with various pharmacy benefit organizations and local physicians and can speak to customers about options, including 90-day refills, early refill authorizations and prescription delivery.

Medication Supply

Rite Aid’s current supply of generic medications is presently sufficient and the company does not anticipate any significant near-term supply chain disruptions that will affect its ability to fill prescriptions. In addition to Rite Aid’s internal supply chain monitoring, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely monitoring medications that are made outside the U.S., and the agency has reminded more than 180 manufacturers to notify the FDA of any potential supply chain disruptions.

Product Supply

Rite Aid is working around the clock to procure products, including hand sanitizers, cleansers, rubbing alcohol and other items its customers need. Rite Aid has also significantly increased staffing levels to fulfill online orders faster, and established in-store and online purchase limits on certain items to ensure these products are available to the greatest number of customers.

Rite Aid Stores

All Rite Aid stores are currently open to assist with health care-related needs. All stores and distribution centers are following enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols designed specifically to prevent the spread of a wide spectrum of viruses, including COVID-19 and influenza. In addition to third-party cleaning providers who professionally clean and sanitize Rite Aid stores, the company has increased the frequency by which its associates clean high-traffic surfaces throughout the day. Stores located in high-outbreak areas are receiving special disinfecting services daily.