KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — Two REI Co-op office employees possibly were exposed to the COVID-19 virus on Monday, and the outdoor giant, based in Seattle, closed three office campuses for deep cleaning.
Megan Behrbaum, REI communications manager, said the campuses, which do not include the stores, were being deep cleaned Tuesday and Wednesday. The office campuses closed were REI's Kent, Seattle/Georgetown, and Bellevue/Eastgate locations. In addition, the King County and Alderwood campuses will be proactively deep cleaned. All will reopen Thursday. Employees who can work remotely were asked to do so.
"Across the co-op, we are stepping up cleaning efforts and providing additional cleaning supplies at our campuses, retail stores and distribution centers," she said. "Following guidance from public health officials, we are reminding all REI employees to frequently wash their hands and not to come to work if they are not feeling well. The health and safety of our employees is our No. 1 priority."
Behrbaum said REI is among a growing number of businesses and schools in the area taking precautions guarding against potential COVID-19 exposure.
"Given the rapidly changing situation around the coronavirus, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to suspend all employee business travel through March 20," she said.
That included a training session involving Cannondale, which is an REI supplier.
