The Warren County Health Department received confirmation Saturday that an employee of Walmart in Warrenton tested positive for COVID-19, county officials said in a press release. Anyone who shopped at Walmart on several days in early April is being asked to monitor themselves for symptoms of the virus.

The employee works at the Walmart pharmacy. Health department officials said they are working with Walmart to identify and reach out to anyone who has been in close contact with the individual. 

Health officials said potential exposure to the public was limited to only people who visited the Walmart pharmacy on April 1, 2, 3, or 5. Anyone who visited the pharmacy on those days is being asked to watch for fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath developing within 14 days of their visit. Anyone who develops symptoms should isolate themselves, then call either a healthcare provider or the Missouri Coronavirus Hotline at 877-435-8411.

People who shopped in other areas of Walmart on those days, but not the pharmacy, are not believed to have been at risk for exposure, the health department said.

Health officials acknowledged that the possible exposure is concerning for people in the community, but asked people to calmly continue taking steps to minimize the risk to themselves and others.

"The more time that someone spends interacting with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, the more likely a transmission. In every instance, maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other people is extremely important, especially if those interactions are longer," the health department said.

"This virus is already spreading through our community, possibly from individuals who have no symptoms. We recommend everyone stay home unless necessary for your essential work, or to seek medical care or obtain necessary supplies."