SILVERTHORNE — A COVID-19 outbreak has been reported among employees at Lowe’s in Silverthorne, marking the second documented coronavirus outbreak at a big-box store in Summit County.

There are three confirmed cases at Lowe’s, according to a news release from Summit County, and the outbreak is being investigated by the Summit County Public Health Department in coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

Summit County Public Health Director Amy Wineland said in the release that small outbreaks like this are “not unexpected” given the current circumstances. She added that containment measures are in place to control the spread of the virus. Public health officials were notified of one positive case at Lowe’s on April 27. This individual who tested positive was placed in isolation and all close contacts were asked to quarantine. 

One employee later was referred to be tested due to the store’s daily symptom checks and was confirmed positive May 8. Another employee received a positive test result May 16. The third positive test result met the criteria to be categorized as an outbreak in state and local data.

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The release noted that store management has been responsive to guidance and follow-up from public health officials. The store is providing facial coverings to individuals who need them as masks are required in the store and throughout public spaces in Summit County.

Sebastian Hale, spokesman for Lowe’s, wrote in an email that store associates who worked closely with the employees who tested positive have been put on paid leave.

The outbreak investigation is still in progress, and public health officials did not recommend a store closure.