New York (CNN Business) Public health officials in Aurora, Colorado, ordered a Walmart supercenter to shut down Thursday after a 72-year-old Walmart worker, her 63-year-old husband, and a 69-year-old third-party security contractor for the company died from coronavirus.

Six additional employees at the store tested positive for coronavirus, the Tri-County Health Department in Colorado said Thursday. Three other workers were suspected of having the virus and were awaiting lab results.

The department said it closed the store after receiving complaints from employees and shoppers about the "lack of social distancing, too many people in the store at one time, and employees not wearing masks or face coverings."

"These deaths underscore the severity of the highly-contagious coronavirus, and the need for diligent safety precautions to prevent any further spread, including the wearing of masks," Dr. John Douglas Jr., executive director of the Tri-County Health Department, said in a statement.

Walmart WMT spokesperson said, "Colorado has been hit especially hard by COVID-19, and several associates at this store have tested positive. Sadly, one of our associates has passed away. The temporary closure will allow third-party cleaning experts to further clean and sanitize the store."

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