5 Publix locations in Brevard record new coronavirus cases among employees

Article by Tyler Vazquez Florida Today

Despite plexiglass barriers between cashiers and customers, stringent cleaning measures and mask requirements, Publix employees have not been completely guarded from the coronavirus. 

Five Publix locations in Brevard County have reported new cases of the novel coronavirus among employees since July 24.

Wearing a medical mask or face covering — as required by Publix — has been shown to reduce the spread of coronavirus through respiratory droplets.

Each of the following stores have reported new coronavirus cases in the past 14 days. A Publix spokesperson did not say the number of affected employees or whether those employees have since recovered: 

• 7325 N. US Highway 1, Port St. John

• 3275 Garden St., Titusville

• 3200 Lake Washington Rd., Melbourne

• 3820 Murrell Rd., Rockledge

• 5380 Stadium Pkwy. Ste. 100, Rockledge

Employees have tested positive at 15 separate locations around the county since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Other stores affected include:

• 2000 Cheney Hwy., Titusville

• 3275 Garden St., Titusville

• 145 Palm Bay Rd. NE, Ste. 117, West Melbourne

• 3830 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach

• 1150 Malabar Road SE Suite 120, Palm Bay

• 7777 N. Wickham Road, Suntree

• 150 Malabar Road SE Suite 120, Palm Bay

• 270 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach

• 2261 W. New Haven Ave., West Melbourne

• 2301 State Road 524 Suite 150, Cocoa. 

Each of those stores reported cases in the months of June and July. The status of the employees affected and their possible recovery has not been reported by Publix. 

Employees who test positive are given paid leave for 14 days and required to quarantine until they test negative for the coronavirus before returning to work. Publix also requires quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with an associate who tests positive.

"Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities," according to an email from Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous