The video game store GameStop has continued asking its employees to work, even as recently as Friday, according to the Boston Globe. Even after Gov. Charlie Baker ordered for non-essential businesses to close and the company comes under criticism in other states.
“Effective Sunday, March 22, 2020, for all locations not already closed in accordance with state and local orders,” GameStop states. “GameStop will temporarily stop customer access to storefronts, processing orders on a digital-only basis, moving to curbside pick-up at stores and eCommerce delivery only.”
With safety equipment in short supply across the entire U.S., GameStop employees were told via an email to “tape a GameStop plastic bag over your hand and arm,” according to the Globe.
On March 19, online gaming magazine Kotaku reported that the company had also been advising its staff in California to continue working and referred to itself as an essential service.
“Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home,” a memo to GameStop staff previously stated. “We believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time. We have received reports of local authorities visiting stores in an attempt to enforce closure despite our classification. Store managers are approved to provide the document linked below to law enforcement as needed.”
The day after the article was published the company announced that it will close all its stores in California.
With the order to stay at home a perfect storm has been created for online gaming platforms where people have been logging on in record numbers.
There are exemptions for businesses to stay open. Construction sites, food services offering takeout are not affected and medical marijuana shops can keep their doors open. Liquor stores are also allowed to stay open, gaming stores are not.
Those who violate the executive order and guidance in Massachusetts could face a $300 fine and, if multiple offenses are alleged, a $500 fine or prison time, according to the state Department of Public Health’s guidance on the executive order.
GameStop has yet to respond to MassLive’s requests for comment.
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