Published in the April 2, 2020 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Yesterday the Health Department was notified that an employee of Farmland tested positive for COVID-19.
The employee, who last worked on March 31, does not work in a public area and had no exposure to customers. The establishment has performed a deep clean to disinfect all surfaces, and all other employees who were determined to be a close contact of the individual have been quarantined. After a full investigation, Health Director Ruth Clay has determined that there is no threat to those who have shopped or plan to shop at the store.
The establishment can reopen to the public.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Facilities are required to use personnel practices that protect against contamination of food, food contact surfaces, and packaging and to maintain clean and sanitized facilities and food contact surfaces.”
As many individuals can have the coronavirus yet be asymptomatic, we must all be vigilant about adhering to the CDC’s best practices each day. Before preparing or eating food, it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day, wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.
In addition, you should maintain six feet of distance between you and others; avoid touching your eyes and face; clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces; cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow; and stay at home when you feel sick.
If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, feel free to contact our Health Department at 781-246-6375.
