Covid-19 likely cause of New Albany Wal-Mart closing for cleaning, stocking

The New Albany Wal-Mart Supercenter announced it would close at 2 p.m. Monday, January 4,  and remain closed until 7 a.m. Wednesday. Although Walmart’s statement was not specific, it is reliably reported that COVID-19 is the reason

The official announcement said the purpose was for sanitizing and restocking.

The statement from Wal-Mart said, in part:

“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. When the store reopens Wednesday, we will continue conducting associate health screens and temperature checks, and all associates will be provided with facemasks and gloves.

 “These protocols are in addition to the extensive measures we’ve put in place during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers, including installing sneeze guards at registers, temperature checks and mandatory mask-wearing for associates, placing social distancing signage and enacting emergency leave policy for associates who are unable or uncomfortable coming to work. Additionally, through the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue requiring customers to wear protective facial coverings while inside the building.

 “We will continue working closely with elected and local health officials, adjusting how we serve the community while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind.”