Coronavirus US Update: Whole Foods Market Employee In New York City Tests Positive For COVID-19

An employee working for a Whole Foods Market grocery store at New York City tested positive for coronavirus, the company spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.

The employee was placed under quarantine after he tested positive for the virus. The grocery store he worked at was located at Columbus Circle, New York City. The identity of the person was not revealed.

A spokeswoman from the Amazon.com Inc-owned company told Reuters that the store has been closed on Wednesday for additional cleaning and sterilization purposes following the incident.

On Thursday, Amazon confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in the United States after one of the warehouse workers in Queens reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. Following the incident, the company had to shut down a small warehouse temporarily.

Both Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh chains continue to be functional throughout the nation. According to reports, Amazon stated that the deliveries have not stopped. However, the customers were informed that the deliveries may be limited due to the increase in demand.

Services such as grocery stores, gas stations, pet stores, and pharmacy stores continue to be operational in the U.S. in order to minimize public disruptions. So far, most of the clothing retailer stores, department stores in the country have shut down due to the outbreak.

As of Friday, the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide has reached 244,602. So far, 10,031 people have reportedly died from the virus whereas, 86,032 people have recovered. Meanwhile, the United States has reported 14,250 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 205 people died.