Worcester Walmart reopens after coronavirus closure

Photo | Grant Welker The Walmart Supercenter at Tobias Boland Way in Worcester

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The Walmart Supercenter at 25 Tobias Boland Way in Worcester reopened Tuesday, a week after it was shut down due to employees testing positive for COVID-19, a company spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.

Out of the approximately 400 people employed by the store, the City of Worcester reported at least 81 have tested positive for the virus, including those screened during an intensive testing initiative facilitated in part by UMass Memorial Health Care's emergency medical services team.

City Manager Edward Augustus said in a press conference on Monday the store had been thoroughly cleaned, and all but 12 store employees have undergone testing. Those who have not been tested will not be allowed to return to work until they are, he said.

The store was shut down at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, after city officials learned some employees had tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson said on Tuesday employees in Worcester will be provided with facemasks and gloves, and will submit to health screenings and temperature checks before the start of every shift. The store reportedly installed sneeze guards at registers and plans to limit the number of customers in the store at any given time, as well as institute one-way aisle shopping and post signage about social distancing.

Augustus said on Monday that Walmart cooperated with city officials following the Wednesday closure.