Shopper With Flu-Like Symptoms Shuts Down Springfield ShopRite

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Fears of the new coronavirus shut down ShopRite in Springfield after a shopper was showing flu-like symptoms on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

"Out of an abundance of precaution, the board of the health recommended the store be temporarily closed for business due to an individual there that was experiencing flu-like symptoms," Springfield Police said.

Police went to the store on Morris Turnpike to help close it down.

The person was taken to the hospital and found that the person's symptoms did not meet the the criteria relevant to the COVID-19 virus, police said.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The store has since been reopened. At this time there are no confirmed positive tests of COVID-19 associated with the ShopRite, police said.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, everyone in the community is urged to practice social distancing guidelines and take all basic precautions to keep themselves safe and healthy. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of being ill should stay home and avoid all contact with others to prevent additional spread of illness, and contact their doctor for further guidance. Anyone who is seriously ill should call 911," police said.

26 new positive cases of the new coronavirus were reported in Union County on Wednesday. Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the state had 162 new positive tests on Wednesday, raising the total number of cases to 427. There were also two more deaths brings the death total to five. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus: Cases Soar By 162, Death Toll Rises To 5)

Twenty-seven cases out of the 427 cases are also still not assigned to a county. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.