Reports: Employee at a Tallahassee Walmart tests positive for coronavirus - Tallahassee Democrat

Jeff Burlew Tallahassee Democrat

Published 4:14 PM EDT May 14, 2020

Employees of the Walmart in Fallschase Village Center say they have been informed that one of their coworkers tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Workers at the big-box store off U.S. Highway 90 east in Tallahassee said management informed them of the positive result during a staff meeting Wednesday morning. More employees were notified throughout the day.

"Nothing has been done," said one employee, who asked to remain anonymous. "There has been no deep cleaning. And they haven't really given any employees any options. They gave employees two weeks leave but it’s unpaid.”

Unlike Publix, which confirms local cases, a spokesman for Walmart would not confirm or deny the reports. The company is referring media outlets to local health authorities for questions about employees who have tested positive. Local health officials rarely provide more information about individual cases or circumstances.

Back story: Coronavirus: Employee at Publix on Ocala Road in Tallahassee tests positive

"While we are not able to confirm any information related to this store at this time, we have been working to ensure our stores are cleaned and sanitized regularly," said Casey Staheli, a Walmart spokesman. "We are focused on serving our customers and keeping our associates safe during this unprecedented time, and we’ve implemented several measures intended to help bring peace of mind."

The employees said they are concerned for their coworkers and customers. One said that while the store is cleaned overnight, there was no professional deep-cleaning after the announcement. 

The workers said a number of coworkers have opted to call out and not report to work. One employee said she was glad that Walmart had temporarily suspended a disciplinary point system that penalizes employees for missing work.

Walmart said it has taken a number of steps at its stores to protect against COVID-19, including implementing sanitizing protocols; screening employees for illness and fever; requiring associates to wear masks; and limiting the number of customers who can be inside at any given time. Limited store hours, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., are still in place to allow for overnight cleaning and restocking.

Reporter TaMaryn Waters contributed to this report. Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.

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