Ashley Boulevard Cumberland Farms Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19

A New Bedford Cumberland Farms is temporarily closed after a worker at the store tested positive for COVID-19.

The Cumberland Farms at 757 Ashley Boulevard closed Tuesday at around 5:30 p.m. after a team member informed coworkers of his or her positive coronavirus test. Plans were made for the store to be sanitized by an industrial cleaning crew.

Cumberland Farms said it is in touch with public health officials in New Bedford and following their guidance.  All workers at the store have been notified and advised to follow appropriate CDC guidelines.

"We are making every effort to provide the affected Team Member and our broader team with the necessary resources and support," Cumberland Farms said on its website. "The store will re-open in the next week. We are grateful to all our customers for your patience and understanding during this time."

Cumberland Farms has put new protocols in place amid the pandemic.

"In addition to our existing cleaning and sanitation practices, all high use touchpoints, such as doorknobs, coffee handles, and dispensing equipment are being continuously cleaned and sanitized," the company states. "As recommended by the CDC, our team members are washing their hands on a more frequent basis. To promote social distancing, we have blocked all in-store seating areas and temporarily suspended consumption of food on-site."

In an effort to decrease the spread of germs, the company has temporarily asked customers to refrain from bringing in reusable cups for hot and cold beverages.