A large grocery chain in British Columbia says it will voluntarily reduce its capacity limitations to 50 percent to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
In an email to Global News, Save On Foods said “as part of our ongoing and increased efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our stores and our communities, we will provide our stores with a maximum of 50 percent occupancy. until further notice. “
The email went on to say, “We’ve updated the occupancy score with nameplates in front of each store and the teams are working to add nameplates back to areas that typically see congestion, such as the front, or in service departments like ours. deli or bakery. ”
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It also said: “It’s all part of our efforts to reinforce that social distancing is needed where possible for both team members and clients.”
Save On Foods said that in addition to promoting physical distance, its stores will also implement the following measures:
- Added store signs asking customers not to go in if they have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- To follow all public health orders in every community.
- Increased frequency of disinfection and disinfection of all store areas.
- Provide sanitation stations and hand sanitizer for customers and employees.
- Implementing a symptom tester for all employees, suppliers or business partners before entering the store.
- Protective plexiglass barriers throughout the store.
“Our store clerks and leaders are doing incredible work in what is still a very difficult time,” Save On Foods said, “and we are so proud of their commitment to keeping our communities safe while providing our neighbors with essential food and medicine. . ”
Global News has reached out to other chains to see if they will follow their example, at 50 percent capacity constraints, or stay completely open.
The Retail Council of Canada said in an email to Global News that it was unaware of Save On Foods’ capacity reduction.
However, the council said BC asked retailers in mid-December to reintroduce COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plans.
“The request is made to reduce ‘hotspots’ in shops, such as to ensure that distance is maintained in lines,” the Retail Trade Council said.
“Retail stores have always been low-risk environments and capacity within BC stores is still unlimited unless limits are set on a voluntary basis.”
The union, which represents employees at Save On Foods, says this is in line with the company’s voluntary policies.
“This is certainly something we have already asked for; a reduction in the number of people currently in stores, ”said Kim Novak, president of UFCW 1518.
‘And it’s definitely related to COVID concerns. Reducing capacity in stores that are not operated at reduced quantities definitely helps to protect workers. ”
Novak went on to say “it helps to reduce the (customer) volume, and what we’ve seen, and what we keep hearing from our members, is that there’s a lot of pressure going on, and that (physical) distance is something we want to make sure it happens.
“And setting (customer) limits definitely helps.”
Asked if the union sees many members reporting sick due to COVID or possible COVID symptoms, Novak said yes.
“We have seen an increase in workload because of our members being sick, staying home because of isolation or because they have symptoms,” Novak said.
“When Dr. Bonnie Henry said to expect that 30 percent of your membership in any workplace might be sick, we absolutely see it in the industry and sectors we represent.”
Novak was also asked about interactions between employees and unmasked customers, saying “the biggest concern we hear from our members is the number of people walking into a store without a mask on.”
She added, “make sure you wear that mask, because it really helps keep everyone safe, including all of our members who work in these stores.”
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Reference-globalnews.ca