Harold's IGA in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

COVID-19

Harold’s IGA could reopen soon after some employees test positive for COVID-19

Dec 18, 2020 | 5:33 PM

Harold’s IGA grocery store in Prince Albert says there is a “strong probability” they will reopen Saturday after a pair of employees tested positive for COVID-19 this week forcing them to shut down temporarily. However, it said public health is their priority.

Christopher Szeszorak, the store manager, told paNOW that Public Health is reviewing COVID-19 test results of all the staff members and are clearing employees who will be able to return to work.

“Our hope is to be able to reopen (Saturday) with adequate staff, but we will continue to work towards that goal,” he said.

On Tuesday the store received the call from Public Health saying a staff member had tested positive and to isolate the area they work in as well as the staff members who had close contact. On Wednesday morning there was a delayed opening as they did a deep cleaning of the store. That night Szeszorak himself received a positive test result, and on Thursday morning after a discussion with Public Health, they set up testing for all the staff at the store and decided to close temporarily.

Notice placed on the front door of the store after temporarily closing. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

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“We have an absolute desire to open as soon as we can however, we want to do that safely, we want to ensure that we’re following all public health guidance,” he said. “We have a significant number of customers that we see in a day that range from old lady’s to young people and everybody in between. Their health is of utmost importance and care and consideration must be taken to ensure that we do not transmit.”

The grocery store has already completed one round of sanitation and used a local company to come in with an alcohol-based mist for further decontamination and to sanitize.

Szeszorak added they will be looking to Public Health for further recommendations on measures to implement in the store.

“Food safety in our world has always been top of mind of priority and now we’ve just got the public safety as far as sanitation. We just want to make sure that we are taking every step possible to ensure safety for the upcoming visits.”

He’s thanking the public for their understanding support.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow