TOWSON, Md. — Safeway confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 among associates at their location on 1017 York Road in Towson.
A Safeway spokesperson didn't give an exact number, but stated when an associate at one of their stores is confirmed to have COVID-19, a nurse from their Crisis Response Center contacts the associate to ensure they are seeking appropriate medical care and to initiate a close contacts investigation.
Following that investigation, Safeway said they may recommend that additional members of the store team self-quarantine.
Based on when the infected person became symptomatic and when they were last in the store, they activate specific enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout the store.
The spokesperson also stated that associates diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive two weeks of replacement pay while they are unable to work. Associates who are asked to self-quarantine will also receive up to 14 days of quarantine pay.
In addition, Safeway said stores have taken a number of precautions, including:
•Installing Plexiglas sneeze guards at check stands.
•Placing social distancing posters and floor markers in the stores.
•Requiring associates to wear masks, and gloves as needed
•Pausing self-service operations like soup bars, wing bars, and salad bars.
•Enhancing measures to clean and disinfect all departments, restrooms, and other high touch points of the store throughout the day.
•Making cart wipes and hand sanitizer stations available at key locations within the store for customers’ convenience.
•Ensuring that store associates are able to wash their hands regularly and stay home if they feel sick.
•Reserving special times for seniors and other vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries. We ask our non-senior and non-at-risk customers to avoid shopping at these times.
•Implementing self-check health screenings for all store visitors.
•Limiting store occupancy.
•Setting one way direction in all store aisles.
