REI, based in Seattle, WA, is temporarily closing three corporate campuses in the state to conduct a deep cleaning process after learning that two headquarter employees may have been exposed to coronavirus. REI’s King County and Alderwood stores are also undergoing a deep cleaning.
The Kent, Seattle/Georgetown and Bellevue/Eastgate campuses are expected to reopen on March 5. The two stores being disinfected remain open.
A media statement is below:
“REI is among a growing number of businesses and schools in the area that are taking precautionary steps given the prevalence of potential COVID-19 exposure in the greater Seattle area.
“On Monday, March 2, we learned of the potential exposure of two REI headquarters employees to the coronavirus. Out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to close our Kent, Seattle/Georgetown and Bellevue/Eastgate campuses and begin a deep cleaning process, aligned to public health guidance, over the next two days. We plan to reopen our campuses on Thursday, March 5. Employees are working remotely during this time.
“We are also proactively deep cleaning our King County and Alderwood stores out of an abundance of caution. At this time, all REI stores are operating under regular hours. Across the co-op, we are stepping up cleaning efforts and providing additional cleaning supplies at our campuses, retail stores and distribution centers. Following guidance from public health officials, we are reminding all REI employees to frequently wash their hands and not to come to work if they are not feeling well.”
Washington state has been the epicenter of the outbreak so far in the U.S. As of late afternoon eastern time on Tuesday, the statewide coronavirus death toll is nine. The state has 27 total cases in total, including those who died. Across the country, 108 cases has been reported across the country, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported outside of Washington state.
Photo courtesy REI
