Barrie's two Walmart locations have had up to 10 positive COVID-19 cases since Jan. 13.
Walmart Canada corporate affairs manager Felicia Fefer confirmed to BarrieToday via email that there have been cases which had not yet been publicly reported.
“Ten associates total from our two Barrie Walmart stores have recently tested positive for COVID-19,” she said. “We’re keeping the associates in our thoughts and wish them a speedy recovery. We conducted a deep cleaning in each of the stores. Out of an abundance of caution, associates identified as being in close prolonged contact have been directed to self-isolate.”
Fefer also said Walmart had been in contact with local public health officials.
When asked exactly what “deep cleaning” entailed, Fefer declined to comment.
BarrieToday also asked how the two locations in Barrie fared during a provincially imposed workplace inspection blitz in the region that was to run Feb. 5-8. Fefer did not respond.
Fefer did provide some steps that are regularly taken by the stores saying, “Safety continues to be a top priority at Walmart. Rest assured, we will continue to take measures to support the well-being of our customers and associates.”
Steps included:
* Mandatory masks for customers and associates.
* Limiting the number of customers shopping in the store at one time.
* Floor markings and one-way aisles to create physical distancing.
* Increased cleaning throughout the store.
* Wellness checks that include a temperature check for all associates at the start of each shift.
* Cleaning shopping carts.
* Encouraging regular hand washing.
* Regular cleaning of work areas (including checkouts).
* Installed plexi-glass dividers at registers, customer service desks and in our pharmacies.
Regarding transparency, Fefer said if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case at the store, Walmart takes a number of actions including informing local public health authorities.
“We respond transparently to requests received about the number of recent confirmed cases in stores, distribution centres or offices from customers or media,” Fefer said.
In a story published Jan. 7, BarrieToday reported on two large companies which have a COVID-19 case tracker on their website, where anyone can check for the latest update. Loblaws and McDonald’s have no current cases in the city, according to their tracking pages. Walmart, however, does not have a COVID case tracker on its site.
The Walmart associates who tested positive last worked at their locations:
Barrie North, located at 450 Bayfield St. — Jan. 16, Jan. 17, Jan. 18, Feb. 3, Feb. 9, and Feb. 14 (2 cases).
Barrie South, located at 35 Mapleview Dr. W. — Jan. 13, Jan. 15 and Feb 20.
