The Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic is driving a massive expansion by Amazon right when the economy needs it the most: $350 million of investment, higher wages, and more people in fulfillment and delivery roles. With empty shelves on stores globally, increased congestion at Costco and other big box stores, it's hard for people to get regular groceries and supplies, never mind laying in a few provisions for a potential Italy-style quarantine. Seniors in particular can find it hard to shop in the line-ups and busy-ness. That means delivery is an ever-more-urgent need.

So Amazon is ramping up:

•                     $350 million investment across the U.S., Canada, and Europe

•                     100,000 new part-time and full-time roles in the U.S. alone

•                     salary increases: $2/hour on current salaries of $15/hour or more

This could be a godsend to people who have been laid off from restaurant, service, or retail jobs as closures have affected hourly workers and those who cannot work remotely.