RICHMOND, Va. – A Virginia ABC Store in Richmond that closed after an employee's roommate tested positive for COVID-19 is set to reopen.
Store 182, located at 1217 West Broad Street, will reopen at noon Friday, April 3 following closure March 19 due to an employee’s roommate testing positive.
Virginia ABC says the employee did not test positive for the virus, but remained at home in quarantine.
Officials say after more than 14 days since the employee last worked at the store, no other employees from the store are reporting symptoms of the virus.
“Since then, out of an abundance of caution, we contracted with a professional cleaning company to thoroughly deep clean and disinfect these stores including all frequently touched surfaces,” said Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill.
A Virginia Beach ABC store is also set to reopen after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Store 278, located at 3333 Virginia Beach Blvd, will reopen at noon on Wednesday, April 1 following closure March 26 after confirmation that a sales associate had tested positive. The sales associate last worked in the store March 14 and had not returned to work upon feeling ill.
After more than 14 days since the employee last worked at the store, no employees have reported symptoms of the virus.
“We have received additional guidance from VDH that indicates the 14-day quarantine window for employees’ possible exposure to the virus has been satisfied this week. Our employees continue to be advised to monitor their health, report illness to their supervisor and self-quarantine if instructed to do so by health care officials,” Hill added.
Last week, Virginia ABC announced all stores in the commonwealth will now be open from noon to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
Officials say reducing operating hours allows staffing flexibility as well as more time for employees to clean and disinfect store surfaces to protect employees and customers.
Additionally, all stores are limiting the number of customers in the store at one time to no more than 10 and stores have also installed social distancing markers to ensure customers stand at least 6 feet apart from one another.
Officials encourage residents to practice social distancing and reduce time spent in stores by placing their order online.