Coronavirus latest: Amazon delays first-day sales in Canada and India due to outbreaks

Amazon’s Prime Day sales event, which will be held internationally in June, will be postponed, both in Canada and India, due to concerns about the deployment of Covid-19 in those countries.

In Canada, where just over 3% of the population has been fully integrated, compared to nearly 33 percent in the U.S., local health authorities have ordered the closure of several Amazon facilities as part of the blockade measures.

All have reopened, but five rounds in three locations are still canceled, a spokesman said, due to positive cases. All employees on these shifts have been sent home with full pay to isolate themselves for 10 days, in line with health department guidelines.

Amazon told third-party sellers via email: “Based on the growing impact of Covid-19 in Canada and the importance we place on protecting the health and safety of our employees and customers, we will suspend plans for Prime Day 2021 in Canada.”

He added: “We will continue to monitor the situation in Canada as we determine the next best steps for Canada 2021 Prime Day. We understand that this is a change, but we will work closely with you to minimize potential disruptions to your business.”

As the pandemic boosted the worldwide logistics network, last year Amazon pushed Prime Day (a two-day long sale) to the last quarter of all markets except India, which was held in August.

This year, however, events in India will still return to the announced date, the company has confirmed. The delay was first reported by CNBC.

India has seen coronavirus cases in recent weeks, calling for tremendous health services and international humanitarian aid. On Thursday alone, Indian health officials reported 410,000 new cases of Covid-19 infections and nearly 4,000 deaths.