Third NJ Walmart Close Due To COVID-19

MANVILLE, NJ — A Walmart in Somerset County is temporarily closed to allow for extra time to sanitize the store against COVID-19. This is the third Walmart in New Jersey to close in the past week due to COVID-19.

The Manville store location at 100 North Main St. was temporarily closed at 2 p.m. on Sunday as part of the company's ongoing initiated program.

"This will allow extra time for a third-party specialist to further sanitize the store and will also give our associates additional time to restock shelves and prepare the store to once again serve the community," according to a Walmart spokeswoman.

The Manville store is expected to reopen to customers at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

"Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and the thousands of customers we serve daily, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. We will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission," according to Walmart.

When the store reopens Tuesday, Walmart will continue conducting associate health assessments, and all unvaccinated associates must still wear face coverings.

Additionally, a Walmart in Kearny also reportedly closed for sanitization on Dec. 30 and reopened on Jan. 1, according to Walmart.

A Walmart in Linden also turned customers away at the door after dozens of employees tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Dec. 28. It reopened on Dec. 30. Read More: NJ Walmart Shuts Down Due To COVID Outbreak Among Employees

This closure comes after New Jersey continues to break records for positive coronavirus cases. As of Monday, New Jersey reported 24,710 new positive cases, as well as 3 new confirmed COVID-related deaths.

To find local testing sites, visit New Jersey's COVID-19 test finder.

Walmart is also offering COVID-19 vaccines to customers and associates through walk-in or online appointments.

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