COVINGTON, Wash. – A Walmart in Covington is closed for cleaning after several employees were infected during an outbreak of COVID-19, King County health officials confirmed.
The store is located at 17432 SE 270º Lugar.
Health officials said the store reported the cases on March 11.
On Tuesday, health officials reported that 24 team members tested positive for COVID-19 and Public Health – Seattle and King County confirmed 15 of the cases.
“We are not aware of any customers related to this outbreak,” said health officials.
The outbreak is still being investigated and Public Health is working in partnership with Walmart.
On Tuesday, Walmart closed the store.
Walmart provided KIRO 7 with the following statement.
“Everything we are doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers and taking into account the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health specialists. When the store is reopened, we will continue to conduct health checks and temperature checks on members, and all members will receive masks and gloves.
“These protocols are in addition to the extensive measures we implemented during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers, including the installation of sneeze protectors in the records, temperature checks and mandatory use of a mask for members, placement of social distance signs and emergency license policy enactment for associates who are unable or feel uncomfortable to come to work. In addition, with the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue to require clients to wear protective facial covers while inside the building.
“We will continue to work closely with local and elected health officials, adjusting the way we serve the community and, at the same time, keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind.”
Public Health has not identified any breach of COVID-19 from the Safe Start guideline at this Walmart location.