Kingston Walmart employee tests positive for COVID-19

An employee of Walmart in Kingston has tested positive for COVID-19, the Kingstonist has confirmed. 

Communicating with the employee, who wishes to remain anonymous on the morning Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2020, we learned that she was tested on Sunday, Sep. 13, and received her test results by phone the following day. 

She said that Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) public health had successfully followed up with all of her known contacts. Her last day of work at Walmart was Thursday, Sep. 10, 2020.

In a notice released to its suppliers, Walmart confirmed that they also learned of the positive case on Monday, Sep. 14, 2020. According to that notice, the store is reportedly open and operating under regular hours while “appropriate measures to ensure the work environment is safe” are taken, as well as “measures necessary to ensure the well-being of our associates, customers, and anyone working in or visiting our facilities.” 

Walmart has reportedly sent some other employees for COVID-19 testing, and is asking anyone feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 to refrain from visiting the store.

Felicia Fefer, Manager of Corporate Affairs for Walmart Canada, said that associates identified as being in close contact with the infected employee have been directed to self-isolate. She said that Walmart is in contact with KFL&A public health.

“We’re keeping the associate in our thoughts and wish them a continued speedy recovery,” Fefer said.

With files from Tori Stafford