Publix confirms 2 associates at 2 Jacksonville stores have tested positive for COVID-19

Jacksonville, FL — Action News Jax reporter Russell Colburn will detail the measures Publix is taking to keep employees and customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax at 5.

Publix confirmed to Action News Jax that two of its associates at two different Jacksonville stores have tested positive for COVID-19.

The stores affected are:

13170 Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 29, Jacksonville

7628 103rd St. Ste, 24, Jacksonville, FL

Shoppers Action News Jax talked to weren’t surprised to hear the news.

“Finding out that a worker here has tested positive doesn’t surprise me, but it does surprise me that they’re staying open and still having shoppers come in and exposing their employees, as well,” shopper Angela Oravec said.

Publix said in a statement, in part, that its measures to keep customers safe include “a heightened ongoing disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers.”

Publix associates who test positive for COVID-19 are being provided with time to quarantine and are given paid leave for 14 days.

Here is the full statement from Publix: 

"As an essential service provider, the health and well-being of our customers, associates and communities are our top priority.

"We are proud of how our dedicated associates are taking care of our customers and each other through this unprecedented and challenging time. And, we thank our customers for continuing to trust us with providing them with the goods and services they need.

"Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities.

"We can confirm that we have an associate who works at store 0178, 13170 Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 29, Jacksonville, FL., and an associate at store 0263, 7628 103rd St. Ste, 24, Jacksonville, FL., that have tested positive for COVID-19.

"The testing and reporting of cases by health departments varies widely state-by-state. As a result, we cannot fully and accurately report cases in real time, but we have been, and will continue to be, keenly focused on intensive, ongoing protective measures in all our stores. Those efforts are conducted with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local and state health departments and include:

* A heightened ongoing disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers.

* Continued cleaning and sanitization of stores.

* Quarantine and paid leave for 14 days for any associate who tests positive for COVID-19 to recover from the illness.

* Notification, quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with the associate who tests positive for COVID-19.

* The installation of plexiglass shields at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies in all stores.

* In-store signage and public address announcements reminding customers and associates of social distancing.

* Visual reminders of appropriate six-foot spacing via marked lines at registers.

* Adjusted store hours to allow more time to conduct additional disinfection measures and restock shelves."