BOARDMAN — Boardman’s Walmart store has set protocols for managing customer traffic and store cleanliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, but won’t say if any staff there have come down with the virus.

Casey Staheli, Walmart’s senior manager, national media relations and corporate communications, said if an employee contracts the virus at any location, “we are working with those associates and offering guidance and time needed to receive medical care.”

The company has implemented emergency leave for “associates who feel unable or uncomfortable coming to work,” Staheli said.

Routine cleaning is also part of new procedures at the stores, he said. “We have been working to ensure our stores are cleaned and sanitized regulary.”

Following concerns circulating on social media, it could not be confirmed if there are cases of COVID-19 at the Walmart in Boardman. Staheli referred The Vindicator to the local health department.

But a spokesperson for Mahoning County Public Health also could not confirm if cases of the virus have been identified at the Walmart, 1300 Doral Drive.

Staheli stressed a protocol has been established to help slow the spread of the virus.

He said steps taken include:

• Deep-cleaning and sanitizing protocols with guidance from the CDC and Walmart’s chief medical officer.

• Conducting health screenings and temperature checks on associates prior to them beginning their shifts. Should an associate have a fever (100 degrees or higher) or answer “yes” to our screening questionnaire, he / she will be asked to return home until symptoms subside or they go through necessary COVID-19 protocols.

• Masks and gloves for any associate.

• Limiting the number of customers who can be in a store at the same time.

• Installed plexiglas barriers at checkout lanes and pharmacy areas.

• Installed floor decals at the entrances and in checkout lanes that help customers to judge proper social distancing.

• Adjusted operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help associates restock shelves while continuing to clean and sanitize the store.

Another local store, Giant Eagle at 476 Boardman-Canfield Road, closed its doors for the second time in less than a month after another case was confirmed, according to the company’s website.

The last known date that the employee was in the store was March 31, with a confirmation of the virus of that employee April 13.

The company said the store has since been sanitized and reopened.

afox@tribtoday.com