The Community Foods Market on San
Pablo Avenue in West Oakland will close starting Monday morning, for at least
72 hours, after a store employee tested positive Sunday for the COVID-19
coronavirus, the market’s CEO said.
“We have reason to believe
that other employees may have been exposed to the virus,” Brahm Ahmadi,
Community Foods’ CEO and store manager, said in a statement posted bust before
6 p.m. Sunday on the store’s Facebook page. “We are taking this proactive
step out of concern for the health and safety of our staff and customers. The
health and safety of our staff, customers, and community is our highest
priority.”
Ahmadi said that during the closure
– initiated by the market – managers will do a full review of safety protocols,
and consult with Alameda County public health officials for recommendations on
next steps. The store will be deep-cleaned and sanitized.
“We will determine which
additional steps, if any, are necessary to create the safest shopping
experience possible,” Ahmadi said. An update to the public should be
released by 6y p.m. Wednesday, he added, as to next steps and a possible
re-opening date.
The Community Foods Market,
originally known as People’s Community Market, opened in 2010. It is affiliated
with the national IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance) group of independent
grocery stores.
Source: NBC Bay Area