Mass COVID Outbreak Prompts NJ Walmart To Shut Down

LINDEN, NJ — A Walmart in Linden turned customers away at the door after dozens of employees tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Dec. 28.

The Walmart located on W Edgar Road in Linden shut temporarily "as part of an ongoing company-initiated program ... for a third-party specialist to further sanitize the store," according to the company's statement.

The store closed around 2 p.m. on Tuesday and plans to reopen at 6 a.m. on Thursday.

One associate at Walmart told NBC New York that more than 90 employees caught COVID-19, but Walmart spokeswoman Felicia McCranie said this was inaccurate information, and the local health department said no such numbers have been reported nor could be confirmed.

McCranie said she could not provide more information about those infected due to privacy reasons, but Walmart is working with affected associates so they have the time needed to get well. She referred further questions to the Linden Health Department.

The spokesperson also said this isn't the first time Walmart has been shut down during the pandemic.

The following video on Twitter shows a Walmart employee denying several customers entrance into the store on Tuesday night:

This closure comes after many neighboring New Jersey towns have reinstated strict COVID-19 protocols in response to the current surge in cases across the state. On Monday, Hoboken re-instituted a mask-mandate for all businesses and public building. This new mandate begins on Wednesday, Dec. 29.

Paterson and East Orange have also reinstated mask mandates. Testing sites have seen long lines amid the current surge.

According to NBC New York, McCranie said Walmart follows guidance from the Center for Disease Control, and all employees must wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

New Jersey reported almost 12,000 new positive cases on Tuesday, as well as 48 new confirmed COVID-related deaths.

To find local testing sites, visit New Jersey's COVID-19 test finder.

The New Jersey Department of Health advises people to verify requirements and hours with a testing site before visiting. Many sites require appointments, and some require proof of residence in New Jersey or within a specific county or municipality.

Sign up for a daily 6 a.m. newsletter with news in Clark, or for breaking news alerts: https://patch.com/subscribe