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Brevard County has its first confirmed COVID-19 case in a Publix employee from the store located at the corner of Barnes Boulevard and Murrell Road in Rockledge.

Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous confirmed the case in an email to FLORIDA TODAY.

"We can confirm that we have an associate who works at store #0784 3820 Murrell Rd., Rockledge, FL., has tested positive for COVID-19," the statement said.

The statement went on to say "we have been, and will continue to be, keenly focused on intensive, ongoing protective measures in all our stores. Those efforts are conducted with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local and state health departments."

The list includes "a heightened ongoing disinfection program focusing on high-touch surfaces like touch pads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers."

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The statement said any associate who tests positive for COVID-19 gets 14 days paid leave to recover from the illness. Publix also requires quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with the associate who tests positive for COVID-19.

Publix associates are currently required to wear face coverings, according to the statement.

"Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities," the statement said.

There are no other COVID-19 cases at any other Publix store in Brevard.

Walters can be reached at twalters@floridatoday.com.