LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Several stores around Las Vegas are reporting employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are taking extra steps to make sure employees and customers are safe.
Grocery store employees have been working day and night to help stock the shelves and battle huge crowds amid the COVID-19 crisis.
13 Investigates has learned there is a new situation emerging for employees and stores.
RELATED: How to grocery shop safely during the pandemic and safely reenter your home
Multiple stores including Vons, Smith's Food & Drug, and Costco Wholesale confirm one or more employees have tested positive for the highly contagious virus.
"That Vons is right down the street from us, that's our grocery store," said Samantha Russell, who is battling cancer.
Russell says her immune system has been compromised by a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
A trip to the grocery store, no matter the environment, could be life threatening, but COVID-19 means she and her husband have to be extremely careful.
"How we move forward, it's going to be a tough thing to figure out, but obviously, I don't want to put my husband at risk, I don't want to put myself, obviously, at risk," added Russell.
13 Investigates reached out to several stores about their COVID-19 precautions and protocols.
Vons released the following statement to 13 Investigates regarding the recent COVID-19 positive case:
The health and safety of everyone who walks through our doors is a top priority. We have learned that an associate at our Vons store on E. Windmill Parkway in Henderson, NV, has a confirmed case of COVID-19. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the associate who tested positive and we hope for a full recovery.
That associate is now receiving medical care. Following CDC guidelines, our Crisis Response Team may recommend that additional members of the store team self-quarantine. These employees will be eligible to receive up to 14 days quarantine pay.
The associate has not worked at our Henderson store since April 5th. That store has been through multiple cycles of our enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting process since that day. In an abundance of caution, we conducted a thorough cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting with guidance from third-party sanitation experts.
The store will remain open and we will continue to follow an enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting process in every department. We have reaffirmed with all associates that they need to wash hands and disinfect check stands every hour and to practice social distancing. We have also reminded them that if they develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough or shortness of breath, stay home and call their healthcare provider right away.
Smith's Food & Drug released this statement to 13 Investigates on Tuesday regarding their recent positive case:
“We’ve been informed by public health officials that an associate at our 7130 North Durango Drive location has tested positive for COVID-19. The associate is receiving medical care. We are supporting them and wish them all the best in their recovery.
Upon learning of the case, we worked closely with state and local health experts, followed all sanitation and cleaning procedures, communicated with and supported our store team, and with the support of the state officials, the store remains open. We will continue to follow guidance from local, state and federal agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.”
Costco Wholesale confirms multiple employees tested positive at two Henderson locations on March 30.
