Coronavirus in Massachusetts: Employee at Whole Foods Store in Swampscott Dies from COVID-19

An employee at a Whole Foods Market location in Massachusetts died from the coronavirus, officials announced.

A staff member at the company’s Swampscott store died on Wednesday, a Whole Foods spokesperson said in a statement. The worker was not identified.

“Our hearts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and with his fellow Team Members at our Swampscott, Massachusetts store,” the statement said. “We are offering counseling support to our Team Members as we grieve this tremendous loss.”

Earlier this month, Vitalina Williams, a staff member at Market Basket’s location in Salem, died from COVID-19 after working at the store for 11 years.

Her death led U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton to call on Gov. Charlie Baker to designate grocery store workers as emergency personnel.

Grocery stores continue to operate during the public health crisis as they are deemed essential, but some employees worry about potential exposure to the viral respiratory infection.