Posted on: Monday, May 11, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
THE WHOLE FOODS MARKET at MarketStreet Lynnfield was closed last weekend after an unknown number of employees tested positive for COVID-19. (Dan Tomasello File Photo)
LYNNFIELD — MarketStreet Lynnfield’s Whole Foods Market was closed last weekend after an unknown number of employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
A Whole Foods spokesperson said in a statement that the company had been notified “over the past few weeks team members in our Lynnfield, Massachusetts store have been diagnosed with COVID-19.” The company did not say how many employees have tested positive.
“We have been performing daily enhanced sanitation measures, have had multiple professional deep cleanings and disinfections throughout the facility, and are following the guidance of health and food safety authorities,” the Whole Foods spokesperson stated. “However, out of an abundance of caution, and to prioritize the safety of our team members, we have decided to temporarily close the store to further evaluate.”
The spokesperson said Whole Foods is “supporting” its employees who have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Additionally, we are paying all team members who are missing shifts due to the closure,” the spokesperson stated. “We apologize for any inconvenience and will reopen in the coming days.”
The spokesperson anticipated Whole Foods could reopen as soon as Tuesday, taking place after the Villager went to press.
In a statement, the town said the Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management “are fully aware of a recent increase in COVID-19 cases among employees at Whole Foods Lynnfield.”
“Whole Foods management has reported cases involving employees and is working with town officials in a proactive manner to ensure that all protocols and guidance are being followed,” the town stated. “It is not unusual for essential businesses that have remained open and continue to serve the public directly during this pandemic to experience positive COVID-19 test results for employees. The Lynnfield Health Department, in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, continues to monitor and investigate positive cases at Whole Foods and throughout the town. The Board of Health remains confident in the policy and procedures that are being followed to keep customers safe.”
The Whole Foods spokesperson said the grocery store will continue following safety protocols “to help contain the spread of COVID-19” after the store reopens.
“Stores are operating under social distancing and crowd control measures,” the spokesperson stated. “We have installed plexiglass barriers at check-out and are requiring temperature checks and face masks for anyone working in our stores and facilities.”
The town noted in a statement that, “The most effective way for people to avoid transmitting or contracting the COVID-19 virus is to stay home if sick, wear masks or face coverings while in public, maintain social distancing and practice frequent hand washing.”
As of Monday, there were 87 cases of COVID-19 in the town. Tragically, 11 residents have lost their lives due to the virus.
