Supermarkets in L.A. County see unprecedented coronavirus infection rates
Dec. 20, 2020
““Every single one of my managers has COVID — one of them is really sick,” said Hughes, 61. “It’s stressful, but I just tell myself: ‘You gotta go. You gotta work.’”
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““The number of outbreaks is extraordinary — we’ve just never had this many,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. County chief medical officer.
Of the six outbreaks at Food 4 Less locations reported to the county during the pandemic, three — including the one at Hughes’ store — were first logged this month, linked to the current surge, according to a Times analysis of outbreaks posted on
the county’s website. An outbreak is defined as three or more cases among staff in a 14-day period.
There have also been new outbreaks reported in December at three Trader Joe’s locations, two Whole Foods Market stores, three Sprouts Farmers Market branches and several smaller grocery chains, county and company records show.“
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““Everything becomes more dangerous than it was last month — every type of activity,” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an epidemiologist at UC San Francisco. “When 1 in 80 people in L.A. are infected, even if you’re just going to the grocery store … there’s a higher chance today than there was two weeks ago that you’ll be exposed to COVID-19.”“
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“The county health department has fined more than 200 businesses since August for violating COVID-19 precautions, none of which have been grocery stores, according to county records.“
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“Other food retailers that reported outbreaks recently included Gelson’s Markets in Marina del Rey, Super A Foods in Glassell Park and Superior Grocers in City of Industry. Three outbreaks at Vallarta Supermarkets were reported this month. Five of the 10 outbreaks at L.A. County Target locations since the pandemic began were reported in December.“
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Covid-19 outbreaks reported at SoCal grocery stores
Grocery stores in Los Angeles County seeing rising number of COVID-19 outbreaks
“Using
data from the Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles Times reported that there are 490 businesses under investigation for outbreaks, compared with 173 a month ago.”
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“An analysis by the L.A. Times also found a jump in outbreaks this month at other essential businesses that have stayed open during the pandemic, including banks, pharmacies and hardware stores.“”
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Morning Brief: COVID-19 Outbreaks Are Exploding at Local Grocery Stores
“» Outbreaks of COVID-19 at local grocery stores are exploding, with nearly every chain reporting multiple stores that have become hotspots. “I worry every day that I’m going to bring this virus home to my grandsons that live with me,” said Barbara Hughes, who has been a Food 4 Less cashier for 26 years.”
[Los Angeles Times]
