BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Since the coronavirus pandemic began, employees at several Brevard County Publix locations have tested positive for coronavirus, according to corporate officials.
Publix officials did not say when the employees became infected or if they had since tested negative since, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.
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“As an essential service provider, the health and well-being of our customers, associates and communities are our top priority,” said Publix spokesperson Maria Brous in an email. “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.”
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, employees at the following stores have tested positive: 2000 Cheney Highway, Titusville; 3275 Garden St., Titusville; 3820 Murrell Road, Rockledge; 145 Palm Bay Road NE, Ste. 117, West Melbourne; 3830 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach.
Publix officials did not confirm the timeframe of the positive tests or if the employees may have since recovered and tested negative for the virus that causes COVID-19.
Employees who test positive are given paid leave for 14 days and required to quarantine until they test negative for the coronavirus. Publix also requires quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with an associate who tests positive.
“Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities,” Brous added.