Worker at Growers Supply in Penticton tests positive for COVID-19

A positive COVID-19 test among employees at Penticton’s Growers Supply has resulted in a temporary closure of the store at a critical time.

B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative media relations director Laurel Van Dam said in a media release the Penticton store will close “out of an abundance of caution” until Monday, May 10, after a store employee tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

“The unfortunate climb in COVID-19 cases throughout the valley and in all of British Columbia has everyone concerned. Though the strict safety protocols taken to protect our customers and staff within our locations have been successful overall, we have been notified of a COVID-19 positive test from one of our staff members in Penticton,” Van Dam said in the release.

The staff member tested positive on Tuesday, April 27.

Van Dam said the store’s closure would pose an inconvenience to the Penticton and area farming community, in the midst of spring planting and crop maintenance.

Growers Supply has alternate locations still open in Oliver, Kelowna, Vernon and Creston.

“Please be assured that Growers Supply has very strict COVID-19 protocols in place at all locations to ensure the safety of our customers and staff while you shop,” Van Dam said.

Growers Supply provides agricultural supplies, agronomic supports and resources to valley agriculturalists.

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