Walmart Supercenter In RivCo Temporarily Closes: Coronavirus

CORONA, CA — Concern over coronavirus spread at one of its stores prompted big-box retailer Walmart to temporarily close its Supercenter location in Corona on Sunday, the company confirmed.

The store at 479 N Mckinley Street closed at 2 p.m. Sunday and is slated to reopen at 7 a.m. Tuesday after third-party cleaning crews sanitize the building, a Walmart statement said. During the process, shelves will also be restocked.

For privacy reasons, the company said it could not disclose the number of possible coronavirus infections traced to the store or how many employees may have tested positive for the virus.

In an emailed statement to Patch, Casey Staheli, senior manager, Walmart national media relations, explained, "While we are not able to confirm any information related to these stores at this time, we have been working to ensure our stores are cleaned and sanitized regularly. Yesterday’s decision was made based on a number of factors as we focus on safely serving our customers during this unprecedented time."

If a Walmart employee tests positive for the virus, the company has implemented a COVID-19 emergency leave policy for all associates who feel unable or uncomfortable coming to work, according to Staheli.

“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts," the company's official released statement read. "When the store reopens Tuesday, we will continue conducting associate health screens and temperature checks, and all associates will be provided with facemasks and gloves.

“These protocols are in addition to the extensive measures we’ve put in place during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers, including installing sneeze guards at registers, temperature checks and mandatory mask-wearing for associates, placing social distancing signage and enacting emergency leave policy for associates who are unable or uncomfortable coming to work," the statement continued. "Additionally, through the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue requiring customers to wear protective facial coverings while inside the building.

“We will continue working closely with elected and local health officials, adjusting how we serve the community while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind.”

Virus spread has increased dramatically since Thanksgiving. One in five Riverside County residents have been infected or are currently infected with the virus, Dr. Geoffrey Leung, ambulatory medical director at Riverside University Health System-Medical Center, said during a news briefing Friday.

According to data released Friday by RUHS, 7,859 coronavirus test results have come back positive in the City of Corona. The figure stretches back to spring and includes 3,754 people who have recovered from the virus. Corona residents who have died from the virus stood at 83 on Friday.

Read about Walmart's efforts to prevent coronavirus spread at its stores here.