2 Charlotte Area Harris Teeter Workers Positive For Coronavirus

CHARLOTTE, NC — Two employees at a Union County Harris Teeter distribution center have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the number of employees who have tested positive at the grocery chain's regional distribution centers up to five, according to reports.

A Harris Teeter spokesperson confirmed Thursday evening that the two new cases were for employees based at an Indian Trail distribution facility in Union County, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Three employees at a Harris Teeter distribution facility in Greensboro have also tested positive. Those workers are now under the care of a physician, spokesperson Danna Robinson said, the newspaper said.

“Upon learning of each case, we worked closely with local and state regulatory agencies, followed all sanitation and cleaning procedures, and communicated with and supported our valued warehouse team,” Robinson said. “We will continue to follow guidance from local, state and federal agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.”

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Mecklenburg County health officials are recommending county residents wear cloth face masks in public settings, such as in grocery stores, as the number of novel coronavirus cases continue to grow in the county.

As of Thursday, there are now at least 21 deaths and 1,098 people in Mecklenburg County who have been confirmed as infected with novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

"We continue to learn more about COVID-19 and how to reduce the spread of it," Mecklenburg County Public Health said in a notice. "There is some evidence people without symptoms may be spreading the virus. Droplets from breathing or speaking may spread COVID-19 from person to person. Therefore, the use of cloth face masks may help decrease transmission of the virus."

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