2 workers at Charlotte area Lowe’s stores test positive for COVID-19, company says
Workers at two Charlotte area Lowe’s stores tested positive for COVID-19 — one at the Ballantyne store and the other at the Northlake location in north Charlotte, company officials said Tuesday.
In a statement, Lowe’s officials said the employee who last worked at its Ballantyne Commons Parkway store on March 24 tested positive for the virus. On March 23, an employee at the Northlake store also tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
“In both cases, the associates have been quarantined and are receiving care, and we are supporting them as they recover,” Lowe’s officials said in the statement.
“The well-being of our associates and customers is Lowe’s priority,” the company said. “In an abundance of caution, associates who had worked closely with either individual over a period of time have been put on a paid leave.”
The stores will stay open, “and we continue to take extra steps to clean the store beyond our daily cleaning protocols,” officials said.
Increased cleaning
Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison said March 10 the company created a task force to work with healthcare officials for preventative measures.
Ellison also said at that time stores would increase cleaning and sanitation of in areas like checkout lanes, restrooms and break rooms.
Last week, Lowe’s boosted investment in coronavirus response support to $105 million. The additional funds include bonuses of $300 for full-time hourly employees and $150 for part-time and seasonal workers.
The company previously pledged $25 million in support for impacted communities, including $10 million in products for medical professionals and hospitals nationwide, and $1.5 million for the Charlotte area.
The company last week also extended emergency paid leave for up to four weeks for people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. It had previously announced two-week emergency paid leave for all associates.
Lowe’s also is emphasizing social distancing at stores, increasing cleanings, implementing curbside pickup for customers and leaving delivery items at the door or garage, or asking if anyone tested positive for COVID-19 before installation, the company said last week.
Earlier this month, Lowe’s put 10-item limits on purchases of high-demand items, such as bleach, disinfectants, hand and dish soaps, cleaning gloves, paper towels and bath tissue, bottled water and air purifiers/filters.
Charlotte Observer reporter Catherine Muccigrosso contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 4:23 PM.