December 4, 2020: Positive COVID Test

To the Coop Community,

Earlier this week, we received notification that a Coop employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is currently in isolation, resting and recuperating. We wish them a speedy recovery.

While we cannot disclose the employee’s identity, we can tell you that the last shift the staff member worked was Wednesday, Nov. 25, in the late afternoon and evening. Those identified as having close contact with the employee were notified immediately and protocols for essential workers have been followed.

The NYC Department of Health was notified of the positive case in accordance with the Coop’s COVID-19 Reopening Safety Plan. The Coop is cooperating with the Case Investigator of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in their contact tracing effort.

The Coop has policies that emphasize strong safety practices and require staff to use personal protective equipment, including cloth face coverings or masks that cover the mouth, nose, and chin as well as gloves while handling food. The Coop diligently follows cleaning and sanitizing routines and the safety protocols recommended by the public health and regulating authorities. We remain vigilant in encouraging all staff, members working shifts, and shopping members to exercise these safety precautions, so we can maintain a safe work environment and shopping experience as together we continue to manage the impact of this global pandemic.

As a reminder, all Coop members are required to properly wear face coverings for the full extent of your shop or when you are working a shift at the Coop. Follow this link to read the Coop’s face covering policy and other safety policies: https://www.foodcoop.com/coronavirus/

As has been advised since the onset of the pandemic, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should stay at home and follow the guidelines of their healthcare provider or contact the New York City Department of Health for more information https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page 

We want to remind you of the other ways we can keep each other safe:

• Keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others while at the Coop and when in public
• Wear a mask at all times in the Coop and in public spaces as recommended by the CDC
• Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid crowds
• Monitor yourself for symptoms. Individuals presenting symptoms or with concerns about being exposed should seek testing.

We are so fortunate that we have yet to see employee-to-employee transmission of COVID-19. Thank you to our staff and members for taking the right precautions to keep each other safe and healthy. We are committed to providing a quality place to work and shop for our staff and members. We thank you for your continued support and dedication and we look forward to seeing you at the Coop.

Ann Herpel on behalf of the General Coordinators