Publix worker at Bradenton supermarket tests positive for COVID-19, company says
A Publix associate at the Lockwood Commons supermarket, 4240 53rd Ave. E., has tested positive for COVID-19, a company spokeswoman confirmed Thursday afternoon.
“Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities,” Maria Brous, Publix director of communications, said in an email confirming the diagnosis.
On Thursday, Manatee County had 160 new cases of people testing positive for the coronavirus, and statewide there were a record 10,109 new cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.
“As an essential service provider, the health and well-being of our customers, associates and communities are our top priority. We are proud of how our dedicated associates are taking care of our customers and each other through this unprecedented and challenging time,” Brous said.
“And, we thank our customers for continuing to trust us with providing them with the goods and services they need. Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19,” she said.
The testing and reporting of cases by health departments varies widely state-by-state.
Brous said Publix cannot fully and accurately report cases in real time, but have been, and will continue to be, keenly focused on intensive, ongoing protective measures in all its stores. Those efforts are conducted with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local and state health departments and include:
▪ A heightened ongoing disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers.
▪ Continued cleaning and sanitization of stores.
▪ Quarantine and paid leave for 14 days for any associate who tests positive for COVID-19 to recover from the illness.
▪ Notification, quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with the associate who tests positive for COVID-19.
▪ The installation of plexiglass shields at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies in all stores.
▪ In-store signage, one-way directional aisles, and public address announcements reminding customers and associates of social distancing.
▪ Visual reminders of appropriate six-foot spacing via marked lines at registers.
▪ Requiring associates to wear face coverings.
▪ Adjusted store hours to allow more time to conduct additional disinfection measures and restock shelves.
Publix has nearly 20 supermarkets open or under construction in Manatee County.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 4:15 PM.
