Bradenton Walmart Temporarily Closes For Cleaning, Sanitation

BRADENTON, FL — The Bradenton Walmart at 6225 East State Road 64 temporarily closed for deep cleaning and sanitation Tuesday afternoon.

The effort is part of the company’s response in areas of the country where COVID-19 cases are significantly on the rise. Manatee County’s new case positivity rate was 16.6 percent the week of Aug. 20-26, according to the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report.

“As you know, several areas across the country have begun seeing a renewed increase in positive COVID-19 cases, and we want to assist health officials working against the pandemic,” according to a statement from the company.

The closure of the store is “part of a company-initiated program to allow third-party cleaning crews time to thoroughly clean and sanitize the building,” Brian Little, a member of Walmart’s corporate affairs team, said.

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He added, “Walmart’s place within the community is considered essential, and we understand the role we play in providing customers with food, medicine and other needed items during this time.”

Associates return to the store Wednesday to restock the shelves and the store will reopen to the public Thursday at 6 a.m.

Masks are required for all employees and customers – including those who are fully vaccinated – while Manatee County continues to have a high transmission rate.