COVINGTON, Wash. — A Walmart in Covington is still shut down for cleaning after several employees were infected during a COVID-19 outbreak, King County health officials confirmed.
The store is located at 17432 SE 270th Place.
Health officials said the store reported the cases on March 11.
On Tuesday, the store abruptly shut down for a deep clean after 24 staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
As of Thursday, the outbreak has grown to 32 cases among the staff. King County Public Health has confirmed 28 of those cases.
“We are not aware of any customers who are linked to this outbreak,” health officials said.
The outbreak is still being investigated and Public Health is working closely with Walmart.
The store was supposed to open Thursday, however, a sign on the door now says the store will open at 7 a.m. on Friday.
Walmart provided KIRO 7 with the following statement.
“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. When the store reopens, we will continue conducting associate health screens and temperature checks, and all associates will be provided with facemasks and gloves.
“These protocols are in addition to the extensive measures we’ve put in place during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers, including installing sneeze guards at registers, temperature checks and mandatory mask-wearing for associates, placing social distancing signage and enacting emergency leave policy for associates who are unable or uncomfortable coming to work. Additionally, through the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue requiring customers to wear protective facial coverings while inside the building.
“We will continue working closely with elected and local health officials, adjusting how we serve the community while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind.”
Public Health has not identified any COVID-19 violations of the Safe Start guidance at this Walmart location.
Cox Media Group
