CYNTHIANA, Ky. (LEX 18) — An official with the WEDCO Health Department that services multiple counties, including Cynthiana, confirmed that the state's first COVID-19 patient worked at Walmart.
Dr. Crystal Miller assured the public that the Cynthiana Walmart had been disinfected and that their corporate offices had been active in taking steps to make sure the store was following all guidelines. Six other Walmart workers, who had close contact with the patient, had been quarantined out of an abundance of caution. One of those six is a student at BCTC. College officials sent a memo out saying that the student was in isolation but had not tested positive for the virus.
The news came moments after officials confirmed that the two reported cases in Harrison County were connected, but Miller did not believe the exposure happened at the store.
Walmart officials updated their earlier statement from the weekend:
We are confirming Kentucky government health reports that an associate at the Walmart store in Cynthiana, Kentucky has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently receiving all the necessary medical care. We are keeping the associate in our thoughts and join their friends at the store in wishing their fellow associate a continued speedy recovery.
We want to thank Governor Beshear and WEDCO District Health Department officials for their assistance and guidance. Upon learning about the case from health officials we reinforced our cleaning and sanitizing protocols with guidance from Walmart’s Chief Medical Officer. Due to the steps we have taken and the advice of state and local health experts, the store remains open for customers and associates to shop and work in the store.
We have been communicating with our associates, stressing the importance of staying home if they are not feeling well and encouraging our associates to seek medical care immediately if they have any signs or symptoms. We are also monitoring this situation closely with the support of our Emergency Operations Center and health officials, ready to assist our associates. Rest assured, we will continue to take any and all measures necessary to ensure the well-being of our associates and customers.
The Cynthiana Walmart is open at this time.
