As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, Amazon announced plans to create 100,000 new full- and part-time jobs in its fulfillment centers and delivery operations in the United States to tackle a surge in orders from residents fearful of venturing out to stores or those living in areas where non-essential businesses have been told to close.

Amazon operates 10 fulfillment centers in New Jersey with the 11th set to open this year in Franklin Township, Somerset County. The company employs more than 17,000 people in New Jersey, placing it among the top-five largest employers in the state. Amazon’s total workforce is around 798,000.

While the company currently lists only 15 job openings in New Jersey, that figure will soon soar in the sprawling network of massive warehouses the company has built in the last several years.

In response to the surge in orders, the company says it will invest more than $350 million globally to boost pay by $2 an hour in the United States through April, with similar bumps in the U.K. and European Union. The company’s currently pay rate in the U.S. is at least $15 an hour.

On its jobs website, the company currently lists pay of $17 an hour and the opportunity to start within seven days. No resume or prior work experience is required, according to the site.

New Jersey has reported 178 coronavirus infections and three deaths as of Monday. Nationally, 3,487 cases and 68 deaths have been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while the World Health Organization reports a global death toll of more than 7,000.

Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered the closure of all schools, movie theaters, casinos and gyms, while restaurants are barred from accepting dine-in customers. Some shopping malls have also temporarily closed, including the new American Dream. Grocery stores remain open, but many have changed store hours.

Murphy has also suggested residents remain in their homes between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. to help slow the spread of the virus.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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