COVINGTON, Washington. A Covington Walmart is closed 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.
As of Tuesday, health officials reported that 24 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19 and public health – Seattle and King County confirmed 15 of the cases.
“We do not know of any customers associated with this outbreak,” health officials said.
The outbreak is still under investigation and public health is working closely with Walmart.
On Tuesday, Walmart closed the store.
Walmart provided the following statement to KIRO 7.
“Everything we do is for the well-being of our employees and customers, and taking into account the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. When the store reopens, we will continue to do medical health screens and temperature checks, and all staff will be provided with face masks and gloves.
‘These protocols are a complement to the extensive measures we took during the pandemic to protect our employees and customers, including the introduction of sneeze protectors in registers, temperature controls and mandatory masking for employees, the installation of social distance signage and its introduction emergency leave policy for co-workers who are unable or unable to come to work. In addition, with the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue to require customers to wear protective face masks while in the building.
“We will continue to work closely with elected and local health officials and adapt how we serve the community, while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and staff in mind.”
Public health has not identified any violations of COVID-19 from the safe start line at this Walmart location.