UTICA, N.Y. (N.C.C. News) – A COVID-19 risk remains in effect for Oneida County, New York after multiple people who tested positive for the virus entered eight stores, according to Oneida County Executive Anthony Picante Jr.
Picante says five towns, including Rome, Whitesboro, Utica, Clinton and Holland Patent, are possible outbreak areas. He listed Dunkin’ Donuts, Pet Supplies Plus, two Price Choppers, Walmart, Hannaford, Marshall’s and Dollar General. He says the infected individuals all wore masks in the stores.
Due to work restrictions, a Walmart in Utica employee could not reveal their name. When discussing COVID-19 protocols, they laid out the store’s process.
“Self service centers are sanitized, all of the cash registers are sanitized, the card readers are sanitized,” the employee said. “Everything that would ensure optimum cleanliness for our customers.”
Walmart enforces wearing masks and staying six feet away from others, according to the employee. They said the store follows the CDC guidelines each time they are updated.
Picante says the individuals entered the eight stores in a timespan ranging from July 14-20. He wants people who attended these specific stores to keep a close eye on how they feel for a few weeks.
Walmart limited the number of customers in its store, according to the employee.
“It’s went down significantly,” the employee said. “I think that we’re allowed one thousand.”
When asked about positive cases stemming from the store, the employee refused to comment.
