More COVID-related complaints lodged against Benicia Raley's store
(Image via Facebook.com, Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
City officials in Benicia say they’ve received numerous coronavirus-related complaints about employees at the Raley’s supermarket there.
The complaints were lodged after a social media post went viral showing around two dozen Raley’s employees participating in a holiday potluck last month. The photos showed many of the employees were not wearing masks while seated at tables in the store’s warehouse and virtually none of the workers were engaged in social distancing practices.
A store manager told the Vallejo Times Herald newspaper that a claim circulating on social media of a mass outbreak of COVID-19 following the holiday potluck was false. But Raley’s officials did confirm a supermarket employee tested positive for the virus around the time of the event. A source said the infected employee participated in the event and were in close proximity to others.
A Solano County health official visited the store in late December and found the supermarket to be in violation of COVID-19 safety practices, a city spokesperson said.
Since the initial report, officials say more residents have lodged complaints about Raley’s employees who were not wearing face masks or social distancing during business hours. The city has also received complaints that the supermarket was not engaging in “proper disinfecting practices,” a spokesperson said.
“City staff contacted Raley’s corporate leadership who indicated that they are aware of the situation and are taking action to remedy any compliance shortcomings,” the spokesperson wrote in a social media post.
Officials said they think it’s unlikely anyone who shopped at Raley’s came in close contact with any employee who was later found to be infected with COVID-19. Their determination was based on CDC guidance, which said a person is “exposed” to the virus if they were standing within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes.
The city says anyone who still has concerns about possible exposure can learn about community COVID-19 testing resources at Solano County’s website.
This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or converting your email subscription into a paid one.
Discuss this newsletter and other stories from across Solano County on our Facebook group here and follow our Twitter account here.