Money Trader Joe’s increases pandemic pay nationwide, while Kroger announces store closings over hazard pay mandates February 4, 2021Kelly Tyko, USA TODAYComments Off on Trader Joe’s increases pandemic pay nationwide, while Kroger announces store closings over hazard pay mandates Trader Joe's has increased COVID-19 pandemic pay nationwide while Seattle, several California cities mandate hazard pay. Kroger is closing two stores.