The world’s largest retailer said concern for its employees and customers amid a growing wave of COVID cases are resulting in these sanitation shut-downs which typically take a day-and-a-half to complete. Third-party specialists handle sanitation efforts while Walmart employees restock shelves.
“As you know, several areas across the country have begun seeing a renewed increase in positive COVID-19 cases, mainly among the unvaccinated, and we want to assist health officials working against the pandemic,” Walmart said in a statement.
Canary in the coal mine? An ordinarily bustling Walmart in Lynn Haven, Fla. sits mostly idle save for workers inside tasked with sanitizing the store following a rise in COVID infections. ACT Research says it's too early to tell if Walmart's temporary store closures amid rising COVID cases hint at major economic interruptions to come.Tom QuimbyThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Friday that “COVID-19 cases are on the rise in nearly 90% of U.S. jurisdictions” including outbreaks “in parts of the country that have low vaccinations coverage.”