Last updated on August 26, 2021

Despite plexiglass barriers between cashiers and customers, stringent cleaning measures and mask requirements, Publix employees have not been completely guarded from the coronavirus.

Five Publix locations in Brevard County have reported new cases of the novel coronavirus among employees since July 24.

Wearing a medical mask or face covering — as required by Publix — has been shown to reduce the spread of coronavirus through respiratory droplets.

Each of the following stores have reported new coronavirus cases in the past 14 days. A Publix spokesperson did not say the number of affected employees or whether those employees have since recovered:

7325 N. US Highway 1, Port St. John
3275 Garden St., Titusville
3200 Lake Washington Rd., Melbourne
3820 Murrell Rd., Rockledge
5380 Stadium Pkwy. Ste. 100, Rockledge

Employees have tested positive at 15 separate locations around the county since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other stores affected include:

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2000 Cheney Hwy., Titusville
3275 Garden St., Titusville
145 Palm Bay Rd. NE, Ste. 117, West Melbourne
3830 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
1150 Malabar Road SE Suite 120, Palm Bay
7777 N. Wickham Road, Suntree
150 Malabar Road SE Suite 120, Palm Bay
270 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach
2261 W. New Haven Ave., West Melbourne
2301 State Road 524 Suite 150, Cocoa.

Each of those stores reported cases in the months of June and July. The status of the employees affected and their possible recovery has not been reported by Publix.

Employees who test positive are given paid leave for 14 days and required to quarantine until they test negative for the coronavirus before returning to work. Publix also requires quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with an associate who tests positive.

“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,” according to an email from Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous