Coronavirus pandemic reaches Publix in Miami-Dade as an employee tests positive
A Publix employee in Southwest Miami-Dade has tested positive for the coronavirus, the supermarket chain confirmed Monday.
The store at 9420 SW 56th St. has since completed a “disinfection-level deep cleaning in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in addition to our daily cleaning and sanitation protocols,” Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous said in an email to the Miami Herald.
Brous’ email continued, “As part of Publix’s general response to COVID-19, the company has implemented a heightened disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers.”
Last week, Publix announced that an employee at a Cumming, Georgia, store had tested positive for COVID-19.
Two weeks ago, Publix cut store hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for additional cleaning and restocking.
Last week, the Miami Herald reported that Publix employees weren’t allowed to wear masks or gloves unless they worked in the deli or had a doctor’s note. The chain never responded to requests for information from the Miami Herald.
Publix later announced installation of plexiglas separating customers from cashiers at all checkout lanes, pharmacies and customer service desks. Chain-wide installation began over the weekend and is expected to take two weeks.
Customers say the Publix at 2551 LeJeune Rd. in Coral Gables has been limiting the number of customers inside the store and, at checkout, encouraging spacing between customers.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 8:58 AM.
