arrival of coronavirus. Citing sharp declines
in energy prices, Occidental Petroleum Corp.
slashed its quarterly dividend by 86% and will
reduce capital spending to between $3.5 billion
and $3.7 billion, from $5.2 billion to $5.4 billion.
THE WORKPLACE
A worker at Boeing’s Everett, Washington, facility
has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee
is in quarantine and co-workers who’ve been
in close contact with the individual have been
asked to self-quarantine and self-monitor, the
company said. The company previously told
employees in the Puget Sound area to work
from home.
Walmart is launching an emergency leave
policy for its 1.4 million hourly U.S. workers
that includes allowing its employees to not
be penalized for taking time off if they feel
uncomfortable working because of fear of the
spreading new virus. Walmart also says that
hourly workers will receive up to two weeks
pay if they are required to quarantine by the
government or by the retailer. Workers who
have a confirmed case of the virus will also
receive two weeks of pay. The policy covers both
Walmart and Sam’s Club workers and includes
part-time employees.
Securities and Exchange Commission employees
have been encouraged to work remotely for the
foreseeable future after a potential incident of
the coronavirus was discovered.
The Florida Department of Health says three
employees of a company that greets cruise
ship passengers have tested positive for the
new coronavirus. Officials are urging anyone
who recently traveled through Port Everglades