LAKELAND, Fla., March 23, 2020 — Publix has received confirmation from the Georgia Department of Public Health that an associate who works at store 0026, Cruse Marketplace, 1735 Buford Highway, in Cumming, Georgia, has tested positive for COVID-19. The store completed a disinfection-level deep cleaning of the store in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Public Health.

“At Publix, the health and well-being of our associates, our customers and our communities remains our top priority,” said Maria Brous, Publix Director of Communications. “Following our disinfection protocol and with the support of the public health department, the store is operating normal business hours. We are thinking of our associate and their family during this time and wishing them a swift recovery.”

The Georgia Department of Public Health has informed Publix that store customers are considered to be at low risk of exposure and the products sold at the store do not represent a risk to customers.

As part of Publix’s general response to COVID-19, the company had already implemented a heightened disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers. It has also taken in-store measures, such as suspending food demonstrations, to focus on the health and safety of its associates, customers and community. Additionally, to allow time to conduct additional preventive sanitation and restock product on shelves for the next day, Publix adjusted store hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in all stores). Stores added a designated senior shopping hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 a.m., which included Publix Pharmacy, to best serve its customers.