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Four employees test positive for COVID at Orillia Walmart

A 'deep cleaning' of the store has been completed, officials say, adding public health authorities have been notified of the positive cases
Walmart stay-at-home 1
Walmart has reported four positive cases of COIVD-19 among its employees working at the West Orillia location on Murphy Rd.

Four employees at the Orillia Walmart on Murphy Road in west Orillia have tested positive for COVID-19.

The last day, respectively, the employees worked was on May 10, May 11, May 13, and May 16.

“We conducted a deep cleaning (of the Orillia store)," said Walmart Canada Corporate Affairs manager Felicia Fefer in an emailed statement to OrilliaMatters on Monday afternoon. 

"Out of an abundance of caution, when an associate who works in one of our stores is confirmed as having tested positive, associates identified as being in close prolonged contact are directed to self-isolate," said Fefer.

If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at a Walmart store, the company takes a number of actions including informing local public health authorities, Fefer says.

“We respond transparently to requests received about the number of recent confirmed cases in stores, distribution centres, or offices from customers or media,” she said.

Additionally, when a positive case is confirmed in a Walmart store, associates identified as being in close prolonged contact are given multiple options including to self-isolate without the fear of missing out on a crucial paycheque, Fefer says.

“Associates are paid while they isolate for two weeks. The company also provides flexible and fair options for other associates who choose to stay home for their own reasons,” she said.

“Their decision is supported, and they are able to use a number of options, including vacation time, personal time, sick days or they can request an unpaid leave. All associates also have access to free 24-hour online physician care," she said.

Fefer says safety continues to be a "top priority" at Walmart. The company plans on continuing to take measures to support the well-being of customers and associates, including: 

  • 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 plexiglass dividers at registers, customer service desks, and pharmacies.

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Tyler Evans

About the Author: Tyler Evans

Tyler Evans got his start in the news business when he was just 15-years-old and now serves as a video producer and reporter with OrilliaMatters
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