Workers at two grocery stores and pharmacy in Thompson-Okanagan test positive for COVID-19

There have been several possible COVID-19 exposures at retail outlets owned by Loblaw Companies Ltd. in the Thompson-Okanagan — after employees tested positive for the virus — including Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore and Extra Foods.

The company reported today, Jan. 29, that an employee who tested positive for the virus worked at Merritt’s Extra Foods on Forksdale Road, Jan. 24.

A Vernon Shoppers Drug Mart employee also tested positive for COVID-19. They last worked at the location at 4376 27 St., Jan 23. The case was reported Jan. 27.

At Real Canadian Superstore in Penticton, three employees were found with the virus. One employee worked Jan. 15, while the other two last worked on Jan. 21. The store is located at 100 – 2210 Main St.

A statement issued on the Loblaw website encourages employees to wear masks, particularly where physical distancing was not possible.

The company does not say whether employees contracted the virus while they were at work.

Loblaw provides updates regarding positive COVID-19 cases on its website for the previous 15 days.


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Carli Berry

Carli Berry has been telling stories in the Okanagan for the past three years and after finding her footing in the newspaper industry, joined the Infonews team in January 2020. Recipient of the 2019 MA Murray award for feature writing, Carli is passionate about stories that involve housing, business and the environment. Born on Vancouver Island, she is happy to say Okanagan Lake reminds, her slightly, of the ocean. Carli can be reached at (250) 864-7494 or email cberry@infonews.ca.

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