Coronavirus infects two workers in another two South Florida Publix stores
Two more South Florida Publix stores each had a worker test positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson for the chain confirmed Monday afternoon.
In Miami-Dade, the employee worked at the Miami Lakes store, 15000 Miami Lakes Dr., as first reported by the Miami Laker. The other employee worked at the Delray Beach store at 16130 Jog Rd., a fact first reported by WPBF-Channel 25 in West Palm Beach.
That’s seven acknowledged positive tests among Publix employees in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s also have had employees infected with the coronavirus.
Last week, Publix began allowing some workers to wear gloves and masks at their option as long as they didn’t work in the deli, meat and seafood departments.
But that was before the CDC advised face covering in places where social distancing can be difficult. Friday, the city of Miami Beach, which has four Publix stores, issued an emergency order requiring customers and workers to wear face coverings at grocery stores, among other places.
“Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19,” Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous wrote. “Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities.”
This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 6:10 PM.
