It is claimed that The Home Depot is determined as an "essential business" with respect to current events. I do not believe this to be the case. Should an individual need access to home improvement supplies, THD should be there for them just as these other businesses are, as curbside delivery/order pick-up. This simple action would constitute a significant decrease in risk of infection for customers and associates alike.

By keeping the stores open with no restriction applied to the amount of customers permitted in, THD is putting its associates at high risk of infection. This is not only an issue for associates, but rather an issue for society as well. In the previous days I have personally witnessed an unprecedented concentration of customers in key aisles and bays within the store. Pursuant to CDC and WHO recommendations, THD would be determined as an entity that is not in compliance. The CDC has recommended that gatherings of people should be limited and should be no more than 50 individuals. THD has more than 50 associates in their stores at a time and this does not include the public customers.

THD provides no emergency service aside from product (which could be ordered and picked up with the proposed amendments to THD's operation.)

By not providing associates of THD with the proper sanitary and social distancing practices recommended by the Federal government and international agencies THD is breaching a duty of care that is owed to its associates and customers.

*UPDATE* 03/23/20

THD has now implemented an attempt at social distancing via guidelines placed upon the floor. This is effective in one aspect. Diminishing liability of the corporation for the actions and standards of others. There is no effect upon the safety of the associates and customers by this. THD still allows an unlimited number of customers in the store at once.

For THD associates,

The letter we have received entitled: COVID-19 Essential Team. Cites our essential role as: "... providing first responders, testing sites, senior care, infrastructure, and members of the community with critically needed products like cleaning supplies, bleach, paper products, and gloves, materials needed for emergencies and emergency repairs and more." For my fellow associates I ask, What is your on-hands for the listed products? What is your confirmed quantity of the listed products? and lastly, How many customers have come in to purchase these mandated ESSENTIALS?

*UPDATE* 04/01/2020

THD has since the last update, provided associates with an inadequate amount of PPE and a disinfectant solution that according to corporate, has been approved by the CDC. However, lack of training and time prohibits associates from effectively utilizing the product supplied to them. Without the ability to use these in between each and every transaction, the efficiency is negligible.

THD has also implemented a strategy to maximize its profits under the guise of the 30 million dollar store guideline. Stores that generate this amount in revenue and more have restrictions in place on numbers of customers while those that don't meet this have none. This should have been a proportional doctrine. A smaller store should dictate a smaller number of people within. It is only rational for this to be the case.

On Non-Essential shopping.

Over the past weeks we have seen a surge in customers beyond which is reasonable. This shopping is fueled by a desire to improve one's home rather than fix urgent issues that may be deemed essential. The departments of priority at the current state are Garden and Paint. Sales have been skyrocketing and it is evident that this is because of home improvers, not those providing essential services to our society.

THD should be socially responsible and protect the health and wellness of our society.