Another grocery store has announced changes to its hours.
As of tomorrow (March 19), all 178 Save-On-Foods locations in four provinces and one territory will be operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to help flatten the curve on COVID-19.
The company also announced 7 to 8 a.m. will be a dedicated hour for seniors, those living with disabilities and those most vulnerable so they can shop in a less hectic environment and allow for more social distancing.
"Limiting operating hours will give the teams at Save-On-Foods additional time to clean and sanitize, restock the shelves and better serve their customers, and also gives the front-line grocery store workers a much-needed chance to recharge during these unprecedented times," a news release reads.
It's also asking those who are able to shop in-store to do so and leave online shopping services to those who are not able to go into stores, including seniors, those living with disabilities and those who are ill and/or self-isolating.
“It is not business as usual and my amazing team of 21,000 team members has a big job to do as they work around the clock to replenish the items our customers need,” Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones adds in the statement.
“As always, Save-On-Foods will continue to work hard to safeguard the health of our team members, our customers and our communities. We have never seen times as turbulent and as uncertain as these and we are so proud of the great work our teams are doing.”
The company also announced additional measures they are undertaking due to COVID-19:
Stores
- The company is amplifying its already high standards on food safety, sanitation and cleanliness
- Stores are increasing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including hand-washing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces
- Encouraging social distancing in all stores
- Senior shopping hour and limited store hours
Inventory
- Not experiencing a widespread shortage of food but working around the clock to address supply chain challenges the company is facing in getting goods to stores
- Enforcing limits on high-demand items
- The company will not be raising prices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Team members
- In accordance with public health directives, the company has directed team members who are ill or who have potentially been exposed to self-isolate
- Working with team members on a case-by-case basis to minimize any interruption in pay
- The company is committed to minimizing interruption in pay for team members who are required to self-isolate for 14 days
Online shopping
- The company has increased its fleet of delivery vans to keep up with the demand for its online shopping business
- Customers who can shop in-store are encouraged to do so in order to leave the delivery option available for those who aren’t able to get to the store, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with the novel Coronavirus
