COVID-19 for Grocery Stores: General Questions and Employee Health

IS COVID-19 TRANSMITTED THROUGH FOOD?

• There is no report from CDC that food is a source of the virus.
• Always practice safe food preparation practices to avoid foodborne illness as well.

CAN THE VIRUS BE CARRIED ON HAIR/BEARDS?

• Particulate matter coming from coughs and sneezes could remain on any human surface.
• If you feel you’ve had someone cough or sneeze near your face and hair, care should be taken to wash there.

WHAT SOME BEST PRACTICES I CAN IMPLEMENT IN MY GROCERY STORE?

• Consider moving self-service areas, such as condiment stations, to behind employee counters.
• Encourage customer use of credit cards and contactless payments.
• Cloth face coverings should be worn by employees while working. Cloth face coverings should also be encouraged for customer use, based on local guidance.
• Limit the number of people at the store at one time or space people out to prevent groups of ten or more. Provide markers on the ground to help customers maintain six feet of physical distance.

IS THERE A PROTOCOL IN THE EVENT AN EMPLOYEE IS DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 OR THINKS THEY HAVE IT?

• Each store should have policies and procedures in place for employee health and wellness.
• You should be sure that sick employees do not report to work and you should suggest they see a doctor.
• If you have a sick employee or guest, report it to the health department. If the health department is not responding, be persistent.
• CDC advises that you should provide instructions to employees/guests on what to do if they develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus.

CAN WE TAKE AN EMPLOYEE’S TEMPERATURE AS THEY REPORT FOR WORK?

• Businesses should follow CDC and FDA guidance for screening employees who have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Pre-screen employees for symptoms or fever before starting work.
• Employees with fever and symptoms should be advised to see a doctor for evaluation and should be deferred to Human Resources for next steps.

WHAT IF AN EMPLOYEE REFUSES TO COME TO WORK FOR FEAR OF INFECTION OR REFUSES TO SERVE A SICK PATRON? WHAT IF EMPLOYEES HAVE USED ALL THEIR SICK LEAVE?

• Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.
• Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.
• Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.

Stay informed: ext.vt.edu/covid-19updates
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
Updated April 27, 2020