June 12, 2020
This morning our Human Resources team contacted the Virginia Department of Health and made them aware of our Hampton Outlet Associate who tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, June 11th.
While the Virginia Department of Health has stated we do not need to close, out of an abundance of caution we have chosen to stay with our original guidance of closing our Hampton Outlet Store on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13. All outlet associates are being tested during this time.
All other areas of the 1911 facility will remain open on these days. Associates who work in these areas may be tested if they so choose. While the testing facility is recommending associates quarantine until receiving test results, we have consulted and confirmed with the Virginia Department of Health that unless an associate develops symptoms prior to receiving their test results they may return to work because of the minimal risk of exposure.
The following is the information and guidance we received from the Virginia Department of Health and the City of Newport News COVID Response Team:
- Associates wearing masks means there is a very small risk of spreading the virus.
- Associates can continue working and just need to monitor and let Human Resources know if the experience any symptoms.
- Continue following your cleaning protocol. Any virus that may have been left by this associate is no longer viable so there is no need to do any specific deep cleaning of the work area.
- The Health Department will do a thorough interview with the associate to identify significant contact at work as well as in their private life. They will determine if others need to be notified.
- There is no need for Goodwill to notify customers, or put anything in the windows about a positive COVID case.
The Health Department thanked us for providing a thorough report and background information – this made it easy to provide immediate guidance.
Our number one priority remains the health and safety of our associates, donors, shoppers and our community.
If you have concerns that you may have been exposed or have additional questions, please contact the Associate Support Line at 804.521.4981.
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June 11, 2020
Our number one priority remains the health and safety of our associates, donors, shoppers and our community.
On Thursday, June 11th Human Resources was made aware of a Hampton Outlet associate who tested positive for COVID-19. The following information is for associates who work in the Saville Row Retail Store, Hampton Outlet Store, Hampton Computer Store, Hampton transportation and logistics areas and C2/CEC areas of 1911.
- The Virginia Department of Health will be contacted on Friday, June 12th to alert them of this positive case, and we will follow their guidance on next steps.
- This associate has not been on site for the past seven days, and we have had no additional cases reported.
- This associate had limited exposure to others while on site, but we are working to contact all associates who may have come in contact as well as those who shared common spaces within the building.
- The Hampton Outlet will be closed on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13. The Saville Retail Store and Hampton Computer Store will remain open on these days.
- Hampton Outlet associates will be required to be tested. Additionally, these associates will be required to quarantine (and not report to work). These associates will be paid for the two days of closure per our COVID-19 policy. All Hampton Outlet associates will need to submit a negative COVID-19 test result to Human Resources before they can return to work on Tuesday, June 16th.
- All other associates who work in the 1911 facility may receive a COVID-19 test as well if they so choose.
- This COVID-19 test will be paid for by GCCVA. Associates will need to contact Human Resources at 804.521.4981 to receive additional information.
- Additional cleaning protocols have been in place at this location since reopening on May 26, 2020, and all associates have been required to wear face coverings and gloves while working since reopening. These steps are in place to limit potential exposure for our associates.
If you have concerns that you may have been exposed or have additional questions, please contact the Associate Support Line at 804.521.4981.
