The store is closed and Walmart officials say it will remain that way all weekend – as cleaning staff work to disinfect the entire building.
“The Super Walmart on Mooney does a lot of business and affects people,” said Steve Nelson, Mayor of Visalia.
Officials would not confirm whether the closure was related to a COVID outbreak, but said in a statement: “Everything we do is for the well-being of our employees and customers, and taking into account the leadership of the Centers. for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. We will continue to work closely with elected and local health officials to adapt how we serve the community. ‘
Nelson says he is still waiting to find out what is causing the closure.
“I read their press release,” he said. “They are talking about the pandemic, but it has never been established that it is due to a COVID situation.”
Many buyers were diverted to the Walmart location in Nobel Avenue.
Late Saturday afternoon, the parking lot was full.
“If you’m worried, there are different ways to buy,” Nelson said. “You can shop online, you can go to your local businesses, there are fewer people in the store.”
The Walmart Supercenter on Mooney is expected to reopen Monday at 7 p.m.
Copyright © 2021 KFSN-TV. All rights reserved.