Olympia Fields Walmart To Close For COVID-19 Precautions

Chicago Heights IL

28 December, 2021

5:07 PM

Description

OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL — Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, officials from a Walmart in Olympia Fields told Patch the store will be closed from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning for a deep cleaning. According to a spokeswoman for the company, Walmart has been temporarily closing stores across the country to allow for increased sanitizing in between busy days, especially after the holiday season. The 2100 Western Avenue location was closed Tuesday at 2 p.m. and will reopen on Thursday at 6 a.m. During this time, officials said the pharmacy will be open for drive-thru pickup only. All pick-up customers were told ahead of time and urged to use the drive-thru or reschedule their pick-up until Thursday. "Everything we're doing is for the well-being of our associates and the thousands of customers we serve daily, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts," a spokeswoman for the company said in a statement. "We will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission." A third-party company will be in charge of cleaning the store and few select staff members will restock empty shelves and take inventory during the break. While Walmart does not have a mask mandate for customers, the company said stores located in areas where masks are required will have to abide by local rules. All unvaccinated staff members are required to wear face coverings while at work. In addition, workers offered a $150 bonus once they become fully vaccinated. Walk-in vaccine appointments are also available to customers. "We will continue working closely with elected and local health officials, adjusting how we serve the community while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind," officials said.