Publix allows some workers to wear gloves and masks; 2 more test positive for coronavirus
Some Publix employees can now wear gloves and masks during the coronavirus pandemic after the company changed its policy, a spokeswoman for the supermarket chain said Tuesday.
Publix director of media and community relations Maria Brous declined to comment on what appeared to be an internal communication obtained by the Miami Herald stating that an employee at South Beach’s Fifth and Alton shopping center Publix had tested positive for COVID-19. Nor would Brous comment to the Herald on a report that an employee at 9720 Clint Moore Rd. in West Boca tested positive.
The Palm Beach Post reported Publix confirmed the latter Monday.
Publix is providing up to 14 days of paid leave on quarantine for employees who test positive for COVID-19 and the same for other workers who have been in close contact with an employee who tests positive.
“Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19,” Brous emailed the Herald Tuesday morning. “Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities. The testing and reporting of cases by health departments varies widely state-by-state.
“As a result, we cannot fully and accurately report cases in real time, but we have been, and will continue to be, keenly focused on intensive, ongoing protective measures in all our stores.”
Chain-wide Plexiglas installation began late last week. But before that, many Publix employees wanted those protective measures to include masks and gloves.
More than 7,000 signed a Change.org petition requesting personal protective equipment be allowed. Others told the Miami Herald it was discouraged by management. Three workers in North Florida filed a workplace safety complaint with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration over the mask prohibition.
Though pointing out official health organizations unanimously say hand washing, social distancing and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth are the best ways to slow the coronavirus’ spread, Publix relented — somewhat.
“While we continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, we also value our associates’ personal comfort,” Brous said in an email, “and, as a result, have decided to allow those in select job classes who are not normally required to wear gloves and masks, the option to wear this personal protective equipment for the duration of this national emergency.”
That doesn’t include employees in the deli, meat and seafood departments. Those exclusions were confirmed by the customer service Publix Helps Twitter account Wednesday at 2:59 p.m.: “While associates in most food preparation departments are already required to wear gloves, masks are not allowed, as wearing a facemask is not best practice for the prevention of foodborne illnesses.”
Publix will provide gloves, while it has them. Workers will have to bring their own masks.
“Inventory is already scarce, and we anticipate it to become even more limited in the very near future,” Brous wrote. “Similarly, we will not supply masks to associates as existing supplies need to be reserved for healthcare and medical professionals.”
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 1:31 PM.
