Suzette Cook
All employees at Publix Super Markets will be required to wear face masks starting April 20, a company spokesperson said.
Two employees at two stores in Gainesville have tested positive for COVID-19, a company spokesperson confirmed on April 18th.
One employee works at the Publix Tower Square 5801 SW 75th St. location and the other works at the Publix at Williston Shopping Plaza 5200 SW 34th St. in Gainesville, said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous.
“We value the health and safety of our associates and customers,” Brous stated.
The company added plastic guards to register stations and is now implementing a face mask rule in response to CDC recommendations.
“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance as it continues to learn more about the coronavirus. Their recommendations indicate wearing any type of face covering in public places can help slow the spread of the coronavirus,” Brous commented.
“As a result during this national emergency, we are requiring associates to wear face coverings, beginning April 20.”
Additionally, associates who are not normally required to wear gloves will voluntarily wear them, if they can safely perform their job duties, Brous said.
“We are providing face coverings for all of our associates and plastic gloves for customer service and pharmacy associates, until our supplies are depleted. At that time, associates are required to provide their own face covering, and customer service and pharmacy associates may use their personal supply of gloves.”