Employee of Wheatsville Food Co-op on South Lamar tests positive for COVID-19

AUSTIN, Texas - A staff member of the Wheatsville Food Co-op on South Lamar Boulevard has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. The staff member has a non-customer-facing role and last worked on March 18.

Wheatsville Food Co-op said in a press release that the employee called in sick to their shift on March 18, noting symptoms of COVID-19. On March 24, the staff member tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Following guidance from public health authorities, Wheatsville identified all other team members who had close contact with the affected person and they are currently in self-quarantine until free of symptoms for 14 days, according to the press release.

RELATED: How you can help service industry workers furloughed or laid off due to coronavirus

"Our co-op has a competitive paid time off, and we're supporting these employees as they self-quarantine, as well as working with all team members on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have the support they need," said 
Wheatsville Food Co-op.

The press release also notes that Wheatsville Food Co-op has implemented rigorous cleaning practices throughout its stores, including hourly cleanings of high-impact/high-touch areas.

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

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