DUNEDIN, Fla. - An employee of a Publix location in Dunedin has tested positive for coronavirus.

Spectrum Bay News 9 obtained an internal memo about the case, and Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous confirmed the information.

“All Publix associates who worked directly with the affected associate(s) have been notified and are undertaking self-quarantine at home," the internal memo said.

A Publix employee who asked to remain anonymous because they're not authorized to speak to the media told Spectrum Bay News 9 that the infected employee worked in the produce department at the store, located at 1491 Main Street.

The tipster said multiple employees from that department are now in self-quarantine and that associates from other stores are being brought in to fill the gap.

  • PUBLIX has announced a pay increase for employees. In a statement, Publix officials said: To recognize the efforts of our associates during this extraordinary time, Publix has announced permanent pay increases in recognition of their commitment to serving our customers and communities.
    Publix will accelerate merit pay reviews for associates and will offer recognition pay, an additional opportunity to increase associate pay rates for those meeting performance expectations. New rates will be effective April 11th.
    Pay rates will vary by associate based on their performance.      

Brous would not confirm that information or provide a timeline.

In an email, she wrote:  "As an essential service provider, the health and well-being of our customers, associates and communities are our top priority ...  Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities." ​

Last week, Spectrum Bay News 9 broke the news that a Publix employee at the Gulf-to-Bay and Belcher Road location tested positive for coronavirus. We also learned of a second Clearwater Publix on Highland Avenue that had an employee test positive.

Publix says because testing varies widely state-by-state that they cannot fully and accurately report cases in real time, but that are focused on intensive and ongoing protective measures in all of its stores.

Publix said those steps include:

*A heightened ongoing disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers.

*Continued cleaning and sanitization of stores. 

*Quarantine and paid leave for 14 days for any associate who tests positive for COVID-19 to recover from the illness. 

*Notification, quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with the associate who tests positive for COVID-19. 

*The installation of plexiglass shields at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies in all stores. 

*In-store signage and public address announcements reminding customers and associates of social distancing.  

*Visual reminders of appropriate six-foot spacing via marked lines at registers. 

*Adjusted store hours to allow more time to conduct additional disinfection measures and restock shelves.  

We inquired with other Bay area grocery store chains to find out if they had any positive cases of COVID-19 among their employees. Winn-Dixie responded that they have not, in fact, had any positive cases.

“We do not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Tampa Bay area and are taking extreme safety precautions to avoid possible exposure," said Joe Caldwell, a spokesperson for Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie.

We have not received responses from Walmart and Aldi.