Leaked Target memo reveals how the retailer is trying to obliterate germs in its stores by wiping down everything from ATMs and handcuffs to Bullseye, the company's mascot

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Target is stepping up its cleaning process amid the coronavirus outbreak.

• Target posted a memo to its internal communications website that details an intricate process for cleaning its stores, the retailer confirmed to Business Insider.
• The memo outlines how to clean everything in stores, from ATMs and checkout lanes to handcuffs and Bullseye, the Target mascot.
• Target has allocated an additional 12 hours of payroll to each store to execute the new cleaning procedures.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A memo posted on Target's internal website details an intricate process for cleaning stores to prevent the spread of germs during the coronavirus outbreak.

The memo, which was viewed by Business Insider and confirmed by Target, organizes store items and areas into different categories of cleaning. Each area or item corresponds with a cleaning product and a level of frequency for cleaning, such as every four hours, daily, continuous, or "when used."

The memo describes how to clean various sections and points of contact in the stores, including ATMs, water fountains, checkout lanes, walkie-talkies, and the break room.

The memo also dictates that handcuffs and the holding cell - areas referred to as "asset protection" - should be cleaned with a multi-surface and glass cleaner and that Bullseye, Target's mascot, should be cleaned continuously.

Target has allocated an additional 12 hours of payroll to each store to execute the new cleaning procedures.

Target CEO Brian Cornell posted a message to customers on Tuesday that briefly explained the company's new cleaning procedures. Cornell also said that Target is staffing up its online services and limiting purchases of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, and wipes to six per customer in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Business Insider previously reported that Target sent an email to store leaders across the US last week instructing them not to change anything about how stores function, despite mounting fears about the spread of the coronavirus.

Before Cornell's message this week, six Target employees, most of whom were granted either full or partial anonymity in order to speak frankly about the situation, but whose identities were confirmed by Business Insider, said they had not heard any information from management regarding protocol or contingency plans related to the coronavirus issue.

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