SAN JOSE — A grocery store here has temporarily shut its doors for cleaning and sanitizing after an employee who contracted COVID-19 died.

The FoodMaxx on Parkmoor Avenue near Meridian Avenue is temporarily closed after store employees learned of their coworker’s death.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the FoodMaxx store located at 1539 Parkmoor Ave. in San Jose has been temporarily closed,” company spokeswoman Victoria Castro said in an email. “It is expected to re-open in the next few days.”

The company was notified of the employee’s death on Saturday. According to Castro, the employee had not been in the store since March 6. FoodMaxx said the employee “went on vacation and fell ill while away.”

It is not clear when the employee died, but the store closed Saturday night, after managers became aware of the death.

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The super-rich get even super-richer during the pandemic According to Castro, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department has said there is no concern for customers or employees of the store about potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. In a statement provided to the Bay Area News Group on Tuesday, the county’s health department said they do not believe the employee exposed others to COVID-19 while working at FoodMaxx.

“We believe that this person was not at work while contagious, as they took the proper precautions and stayed home when they became symptomatic,” the department said.

The statement added that while there will “inevitably” be coronavirus cases in businesses that are considered essential, exposure can also take place from people who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

“This is why everyone must practice social distancing, frequently washing hands, and not touching their face when leaving their house for essential reasons, such as getting medications or going to the grocery store,” the department said. “Being vigilant and aware will help slow the spread of the virus.”

FoodMaxx was told the store could re-open when the company is ready to do so, Castro said, adding that she expects the store will resume business “in the coming days.”

FoodMaxx operates 54 stores in California, including four in San Jose. The stores are owned by the Save Mart Companies, which is headquartered in Modesto.