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According to the Trader Joe’s website, several Southern California locations are temporarily closing due to employees, referred to as ‘crew members’, having tested positive for COVID-19.
This is their statement, released Sunday April 12th:
South Pasadena, CA – Trader Joe’s on 613 Mission St is closed for additional cleaning and will reopen on Wednesday, April 15th. Crew Members have tested positive for COVID-19; the latest date on which one of these Crew Members was in the store is April 6, 2020.
Unconfirmed reports say an e-mail from store management went out to employees three days ago.
Many local South Pasadena residents are concerned they have been exposed after shopping at the Mission Street location over the last three weeks.
Of another concern is the plural use of the term: “Crew Members”, alluding to more than one Crew Member from this location may have been infected.
The South Pasadena store on Mission Street is small, and the 6-foot distance rule is very difficult to maintain. Some employees (Crew Members) outright refused to wear professional medical masks when offered. The response from one Crew Member to a resident shopper was: “…I’m not sick, so what’s the point…” that was 2 weeks ago.
The South Pasadena neighborhood generally adores their local Trader Joe’s. Initial feedback from residents is concern for those who are now sick with the Coronavirus. A smooth and speedy recovery is of primary concern from many on social media as well.
This is a breaking story with more information as it unfolds.
My heart go out to each and every one that works there. You guys are the best, I have always felt nothing but welcome at your store! Please take care and get well soon!
For those who are “concerned from shopping there”… as shoppers, did we expect anything different? They are engaging with thousands of people everyday. This is why they say to limit grocery shopping to when you absolutely need to, so there isn’t unnecessary traffic/exposure to these workers and protection against yourself. This branch has been nothing short of outstanding year-round and especially during this pandemic for the community, so really hoping these workers recover quickly and smoothly. Our only way to support them at this time is to only shop when we absolutely need to do.