Amazon brings on lobbyist to focus on coronavirus, CARES Act issues: 4 details

Amazon has brought on a new lobbyist to focus on issues related to COVID-19 andCARES Act implementation, according to a CNBC report.

Four details:

1. Amazon.com Services hired Jeff Ricchetti as a lobbyist Nov. 13. Mr. Ricchetti is the brother of Steve Ricchetti, a White House counselor for the Biden team.

2. Mr. Ricchetti also has a lobbying contract with Evofem Biosciences, advocating for coverage of contraceptive services.

3. On Dec. 22, Amazon partnered with CVS Health and Thermo Fisher Scientific to promote employer-based COVID-19 testing as part of the national strategy to combat the pandemic. The group aims to make sure employers have access to FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests.

4. Amazon has also deepened its reach into healthcare delivery during the pandemic, initially focusing on its virtual care offerings. The company launched a telemedicine program for Seattle-based employees in September 2019 and expanded the program to all employees in Washington a year later. Business Insider reported that the company plans to sell the service to other large companies.

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