“We would like to notify our customers that we are closing the Pacific Beach location, located at 730 Turquoise St., early on Wednesday, April 29 due to the unfortunate circumstance that one of our team members has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last worked at the store on Sunday, April 26, and Gelson’s learned of the positive test on Wednesday, April 29. To keep everyone safe and protected as this pandemic grows, we are taking precautionary measures for cleaning and sanitization related to coronavirus (COVID-19). As soon as the store has been fully sanitized and inspected, we plan to reopen and continue providing our community with the highest level of customer service and accessible products at all times. We currently plan to reopen at 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, to serve seniors 60-plus, disabled shoppers, and their caregivers. The store will be open beginning at 8 am to members of the general public.
“We are alerting all Gelson’s employees at the location, encouraging anyone who may have been in contact with the affected team member to follow CDC-recommended self-monitoring guidelines and to call their healthcare providers right away if they develop any symptoms. Those team members that were in direct contact with the employee have already been notified and will be paid for a self-quarantine. The CDC defines close contact as being within six feet of an individual for more than 10 minutes. The affected employee was not in direct contact with customers for more than 10 minutes at any point. While the store is closed for cleaning on Wednesday, April 29, Gelson’s will be paying all associates any scheduled shifts which are canceled or shortened. 
“We are working closely with local health officials to take all necessary measures and provide customers with information needed to make an informed decision regarding their health and safety. We encourage shoppers who have health-related concerns to review CDC and local health department guidelines and to contact their healthcare providers with any questions. “As an essential business providing a vitally important resource to our neighborhoods, we take our obligations seriously to ensure we continue to provide food and supplies needed during this time. As we continue to respond to this ever-changing and growing situation, Gelson’s focus remains on doing whatever is necessary to safeguard the health and safety of our employees and customers and to best support our communities.”