GameStop Isn't The Only Game Retailer Reportedly Endangering Employees

A video game retail chain has recently provided its employees with questionable advice for avoiding the coronavirus and for once it isn’t GameStop, but rather a different store named Game X Change. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been ramping up these past few weeks, but it seems some companies are not only refusing to do the sensible thing and close their doors for the time being but are also putting their workers at risk with inadequate sanitation equipment and false information.

Recently, GameStop sullied its already troubled reputation further by refusing to close stores in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, only relenting after much outcry and a leaked conference call in which executives told management to ignore national warnings about the virus. Even after restricting their services to digital deliveries and curbside pickups, the company swiftly undid any goodwill it might have gained by ordering their workers to tape plastic GameStop bags to their hands instead of using proper protective gloves. Unfortunately, it seems they aren’t the only ones acting so callously in the face of this international crisis.

Related: No, GameStop Didn't Create A Vaccine For Coronavirus

As reported by Kotaku, video game retailer Game X Change has decided to not only remain open during the coronavirus outbreak, but this Tuesday it sent its workers what has been described as a company-wide “chain e-mail” filled with blatantly false tips to prevent spreading the disease. This “advice” includes such nonsensical tidbits as sipping warm water so the virus is sent to one’s stomach to be “neutralized” by gastric juices, gargling a mixture of water and vinegar, avoiding cold food or drink, and hanging clothing in sunlight to kill the germs – all of which have been debunked by various medical professionals.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus, has already caused much havoc in the world of entertainment, video games included. Several major gaming events like E3 and the Game Developers Conference were canceled this year due to fear of the virus, and it’s likely that a number of highly-anticipated games will see their release dates delayed. Worse still, plenty of games that have been completed on time, like Final Fantasy 7, will take longer to reach players due to shipping companies like Amazon putting a higher priority on essential deliveries over luxury items like video games.

With all of this in mind, it’s truly mind-boggling that video game retail companies like GameStop and Game X Change are being so thoughtless when it comes to protecting their workforce from the coronavirus, which has already reached catastrophic fatality numbers across the globe within the span of a few months alone. Many would rightfully argue that these stores should be closing outright, and even if they feel they must remain open at this time, they at least owe their employees proper information to protect both themselves and their loved ones in this uncertain time. Game X Change needs to retract the dangerous misinformation in their recent e-mail, and fast.

Next: Why GameStop Is Becoming Irrelevant and How It Can Survive

Source: Kotaku

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