FreshDirect warehouse worker tests positive for coronavirus

US online grocer FreshDirect has emailed customers, informing them that a warehouse worker has tested positive for COVID-19.

CEO David McInerney stressed that the employee had not been present in its facility since reporting feeling unwell. They were also not involved in either the food preparation or delivery aspects of FreshDirect’s service.

“This occurrence triggered the implementation of our COVID-19 response protocol, which included sending the employee home to follow-up with their healthcare provider, as well as deep cleaning the impacted area, its equipment, and all other appropriate business areas. The employee is currently self-isolating and has reported that they are doing fine,” McInerney said.

“We are in communication with and following guidance from all relevant local, state and federal authorities, and continue to uphold our already enhanced comprehensive policies regarding health, sanitation, and hygiene. In the event that there are more cases, we will handle them in accordance with then current guidance and with the same high standards,” he added.

Earlier this week, the company commented that it was struggling to keep up with consumer demand. “Although demand is causing delivery time slots to fill up faster than usual, we will continue to expand our capacity to meet our community’s needs,” it said.

It also called on customers to do their bit and “only buy what you need so we can serve as many people as possible.”