Several southern suburbs stores have had to close temporarily for Covid-19 decontamination.
Shoprite in Woodstock, Checkers in Kenilworth Centre, Food Lover’s Market at Kenilworth Access Park and Pick n Pay in Observatory have all had staff test positive for Covid-19.
As of Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases in the province stood at 6 194 with 1 950 recoveries and 110 deaths. The southern suburbs have 580 cases.
The Shoprite store closed on Wednesday May 6, Checkers on Tuesday May 5, Food Lover’s on Monday May 4 and Pick n Pay on Monday May 11.
Responding to a Facebook post, a Pick n Pay store manager said they had closed for the day after an employee had tested positive.
The store had opened again after getting the green light from the Department of Health, following decontamination.
In a statement, the Shoprite Group – which includes Checkers – said its stores had reopened after decontamination.
An employee-screening programme supported by the company’s mobile clinic had immediately been put into place.
“A professional decontamination company is brought in to sanitise and deep clean the store through a fogging process which takes place early evening. This entails spraying a fine mist which covers all surfaces and provides a general layer of virus and bacteria protection for a period of seven days. Only food-safe chemicals are used. The service providers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) which is removed responsibly upon completion. Once a certificate of compliance has been issued, the store may reopen in consultation with the provincial Department of Health. Those who had close contact are now self-quarantining for 14 days,” the statement said.
The group said it could not divulge further details on specific cases, citing patient confidentiality.
“The number of Shoprite and Checkers stores opened and closed in the Western Cape due to positive Covid-19 testing continue to fluctuate.”
The Food Lover’s, according to a company statement, re-opened with a new shift on Tuesday May 5 after a professional cleaning company performed a deep clean and sanitised the store.
“We have brought in a new team to assist until the regular Access Park team is able to return to work,” the statement said. “We will continue to follow all hygiene protocols – including sanitising hands and surfaces, practising social distancing and wearing masks.
“All employees that had direct contact with the team member have been instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days and are being monitored for any symptoms of Covid-19. They will only be allowed back in the store once we are satisfied that they have not contracted Covid-19.”
