Commenters thank Grocery Outlet for transparency about two workers’ coronavirus tests
Two employees at the Grocery Outlet in Ferndale have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a post on the store’s Facebook page.
Many of the 104 comments on the post Sunday, April 5, praised the store’s transparency and thanked grocery workers for continuing to work during the new coronavirus pandemic.
The employees are at home in self-quarantine recovering, according to the post.
After learning of the diagnoses, Grocery Outlet closed Saturday for deep cleaning, the post stated.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we closed our store at 5 p.m. on April 4, to have a professional cleaning company come in (and) completely sanitize the store prior to reopening today,” the post wrote.
The post went on to explain that the store has taken all necessary precautions to identify those who worked closely with the two employees who tested positive, to allow them to self-quarantine for 14 days or to receive medical clearance to return to work.
The Bellingham Herald was told to talk to the store owner Monday for comment.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.