A Walmart in suburban Denver is granted permission to reopen after it was ordered to temporarily close when three people connected to the store died of COVID-19 disease, and at least six employees tested positive.
In a press release, the Department said the store has “good social distancing measures, signage throughout, enhanced metering of shoppers into the store, one-way traffic through isles, employee communication systems and usage of masks, and a robust employee illness screening and reporting process utilizing tools provided by TCHD.”
The store was ordered closed on April 24 following the death of an employee from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus. A third-party contractor and an employee’s family member also died from the disease. At the time, TCHD said there were six additional confirmed cases among employees, plus another three living suspect cases awaiting lab confirmation.
The deaths include a 72-year-old female employee; her 63-year-old husband, who did not work at the store; and a 69-year-old male who worked for an independent security company.
“The store’s management and staff have taken this very seriously and have good safety and health measures in place,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.
“We recognize how hard this is for our associates in Aurora, and everyone impacted by this difficult situation. We want to do everything we can to support them at this time. We will continue to work closely with Tri-County Health Department and take additional steps as needed to reopen the store,” the spokesperson added.
Retail businesses can reopen with curbside pickup on Monday and voluntary or elective medical, dental, and veterinary surgeries and procedures may resume if facilities are following required safety protocols. Retail shops will then be allowed to reopen their doors to customers on Friday with strict precautions.
On May 4, commercial businesses can open with up to 50 percent of employees working in-person, as long as best practices are implemented to protect the health and safety of employees.
However, businesses are encouraged to allow employees to continue telecommuting at higher levels if possible.