A general view of Costco signage in Docklands on August 04, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Retail stores across Melbourne will close to customers as further stage 4 lockdown restrictions are implemented in response to Victoria's ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The new rules, which come into effect at 11:59 on Wednesday 5 August, will see the majority of retail businesses like clothing, furniture, electrical and department stores will be closed to the public for the duration of the stage 4 restrictions. Businesses will be able to operate click and collect services with social distancing and contactless payments. Supermarkets, grocery stores, bottle shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, news agencies and post offices will remain open during the lockdown. Melbourne residents are subject to a curfew from 8pm to 5am, must stay within a 5km radius of their homes along with limits on hours of exercise, while all students will return to home learning and childcare centres will close.
As COVID-19 positive cases continue to spike, business establishments like Costco get affected by the toll coronavirus is taking, as it affects 145 of the company's employees.
As of December 30, 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there have been about 80,773,033 confirmed cases of COVID-19, alongside the 1,783,619 mortality the virus has caused.
Moreover, authorities have observed the mutation or new strain of the virus which was first found in the United Kingdom, wreaks havoc when a first case was identified in California.
With this knowledge, it is not surprising that employees from a certain grocery store might get infected, knowing the number of people they get to face in doing their job.
Costco Workers and COVID-19
Yakima Health District reports in their media release that they are still in the process of investigating the outbreak of COVID-19 in Costco among their 145 workers. They also add that all 145 COVID-19 positive patients are undergoing their isolation or quarantine period.
The Olympian adds that the county's health department also notes that after reviewing the number of cases and the timeline in which the workers were exposed to the virus, the health department concludes that there is a piece of evidence showing that the sudden spike reflects the type of activity that happens during a super spreader event.
The health department also notes that these kinds of events show multiple people getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 at the same time.
Read also: Costco's Senior Shopping Hours Still On-Going Until Further Notice
The News and Observer also take note from Yakima Herald that before Christmas, 68 staff laborers tested positive for COVID-19, and that number rapidly heightened to the current 145 employees being positive for the notorious disease.
Interim Health Officer from the Yakima county, Dr. Larry Jecha notes in Yakima Health District's media release that all positive cases have been identified and sent home adding that weekly wide testing will be ensuring any new cases that might occur.
The health officer also adds in the media release that they will ensure that Costco and its customers in following COVID-19 procedures that will alleviate the risk for potential COVID-19 infection.
The Olympian notes that the County of Yakima had more than 18,000 cases of COVID-19 ever since the start of the pandemic taking the lives of 313 people which was according to the county's data.
Costco's response to the event
The Olympian reports that Costco has strict mask policies to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in their stores. They also note that with medical conditions that cannot wear masks wear face shields instead.
The Olympian mentions the director of disease control, Melissa Sixberry's message in the health department's media release stating authorities anticipate the surge of cases in the next few days as Costco continues their wide testing.
Amid the series of unfortunate events, Yakima Health District states in their media release that the grocery store is not being closed because these businesses did not demonstrate ongoing transmission after recommendations were implemented.
Yakima Health District's Executive director notes in their media release that the county is doing what they can to keep everyone in their place healthy.
Costco is one of the grocery stores people tend to go to for their meals and food supplies that is why it is important to keep them open. COVID-19 might have restricted so much like grocery shopping but adhering to the safety protocols will make people prevent COVID-19 infection.
Related article: Grocery Store Foods That Improve Your Fighting Chance Against COVID-19
