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At least five food handlers, one grocery store worker contract COVID-19

Posted at 9:10 AM, Mar 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-31 15:08:24-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- At least five food handlers have tested positive for COVID-19 -- four restaurant employees and one grocery store employee, according to San Diego County health officials.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said Sunday that the grocery store alerted county officials and followed sanitation protocols before reopening the store.

Fletcher also stressed that there is no evidence of COVID-19 association with food, citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

MORE: SAN DIEGO COUNTY COVID-19 TRACKER

"If you have a sick worker, they must stay home," Fletcher said. He said the county is adding more food inspections throughout the county.

Health officials did not identify the four restaurant employees who contracted the disease or where they work.

A spokesperson with Albertsons Companies confirmed to 10News on Saturday that an employee of an Escondido grocery store tested positive for COVID-19.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Confirmed coronavirus cases in San Diego County

Albertson's Public Affairs Director Melissa Hill told 10News that the employee is receiving care and has not worked at the store since March 24. Hill said the Escondido store has been through multiple sanitizing and disinfecting cycles, and used third-party expert service.

Dr. Eric McDonald, the county's medical director of epidemiology, said there are no pending COVID-19 tests of staff at Albertson's, but any workers who present symptoms of the virus will be sent home.

Employers are urged to call 858-505-6814 to report any sick workers.