Florida Department of Health: Macy’s employee who allegedly tested positive for COVID-19 claim false

UPDATE (10:44 am): Yesterday there were reports of a Macy's employee that tested positive for COVID-19.

However, after an investigation, The Florida Department of Health in Lee County found the claim to be false.

The Department of Health says the fifth confirmed case in Lee County, announced in the press release issued by the Department this morning, of a 72-year old female is not related to the Macy's story.

To view the full release click here.

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ORIGINAL REPORT (SATURDAY, MARCH 14): A Southwest Florida Macy's employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

That's according to a statement from Macy's, Inc.

The company tells us the employee had not been in the store since March 8th.

The store closed unexpectedly Saturday at 1PM for a deep cleaning.

According to a memo to employees, the store will have modified hours beginning Saturday, March 14th.

Here's the statement we received from Macy's:

A Macy’s colleague at Macy’s Fort Myers Edison in Fort Myers, FL has tested positive for COVID-19. The colleague has not been in the store since March 8, but we remain in close contact as this colleague recovers. To ensure the health safety of our customers and colleagues, we have temporarily closed this location today at 1 p.m. to conduct a deep cleaning. We are taking action to combat any potential health concerns, complying with the Centers for Disease Control’s recommended preventative protocol, including increased cleaning in heavily trafficked areas and hard surfaces which include entrances, customer service stations, vertical transportation, restrooms and break rooms. It is our intent to open again as soon as we are able. We encourage our colleagues to continue to follow the CDC recommended everyday preventative measures and will remain vigilant and partner with local and state officials along with mall partners.

RELATED CORONAVIRUS STORIES:

• Florida schools are closed until the end of March due to the spread of Coronavirus
• A second patient in Lee County has died from COVID-19
• Coronavirus closings and postponements around Southwest Florida