LINDEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A Walmart in New Jersey has temporarily closed for sanitization, reportedly after a number of employees there tested positive for COVID-19.
A Walmart spokesperson didn't speak to how many employees had fallen ill when asked Wednesday but said the company was working with “any affected associates, so they have the time needed to get well.”
“We’re taking all implemented measures seriously and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” the spokesperson said.
In a statement, Walmart said it wanted to “assist health officials working against the pandemic” as the U.S. sees a renewed increase in positive COVID-19 cases.
“In support of this effort, we have chosen to temporarily close our Linden store location at 1050 W. Edgar Road as part of an ongoing company-initiated program,” the statement continued. “This will allow extra time for a third-party specialist to further sanitize the store and will also give our associates additional time to restock shelves and prepare the store to once again serve the community.”
An employee told WNBC that more than 90 workers at the store had COVID-19, but a person familiar with the matter told 1010 WINS the high number was “not even close to accurate.”
Video reportedly shows an employee turning away customers on Tuesday night after the store closed at 2 p.m.
The location is slated to reopen to customers at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
“When the store reopens Thursday, we will continue conducting associate health assessments, and all unvaccinated associates must still wear face coverings,” Walmart said in the statement.
The retail giant said it will continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, including having fully vaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings in counties with "substantial" or "high" COVID-19 transmission.
As of Wednesday, Union County, where Linden is located, has "high" community transmission, according to the CDC.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday that there were 11,889 new COVID-19 cases in the state.
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