NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two employees of a Kroger in Nashville have tested positive for COVID-19.
Both employees of the store, located on Highway 100 and Old Harding Pike, received medical attention and are in quarantine.
Kroger officials said a third-party company was brought in to clean and sanitize the store while it was still open around 5p.m. And all store employees were notified.
Jason Garner believes it should have been closed for cleaning.
Garner said, “I’m not convinced that they’ve done everything to clean it up.”
Garner is a customer. He said he’s not going to shop in the grocery store as he’s worried he will get sick. “I think everyone should be tested, and I think it should close longer.”
However, some customers said it was only a matter of time before grocery store workers on the front lines got sick. “I think that’s really too bad, but I don’t think that it should affect whether or not the store stays open.”
The woman, who did not want to disclose her name, said she would still shop at Kroger if she needed groceries after hearing that couple of employees tested positive.
“I carry gloves with me, plastic gloves, when I go in the grocery store because I know everybody else has felt all of the avocados and so forth.”
A Kroger spokesperson said the two employees have not been at this Kroger for several days.
Kroger is allowing employees to wear masks and gloves, and they’re working to procure more. They’re also planning on installing plexiglass between workers and customers.
Melissa Eads of Kroger released the following statement Tuesday evening:
"We have been informed by health officials that two of our Nashville division associates at our Hwy 100 Bellevue location have tested positive for COVID-19. Both associates are receiving medical care and have been quarantined. We are supporting them and wish them all the best in their recovery.
Upon learning of the cases we followed all sanitation and cleaning procedures, and communicated with and supported our store team. Out of an abundance of caution, we also hired a third-party company to clean and sanitize the store. We have aggressive cleaning and sanitation procedures in place at all of our stores and are continuing to adhere to all guidance from local, state and federal agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.
Keeping our associates and communities safe is our number one priority."
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
