The two Walmart stores in Barrie continue to see positive COVID-19 cases with 11 in the last month, while Loblaw locations have two active cases.
As Ontario COVID cases hit some of the highest numbers since January, the positive cases at Barrie’s north- and south-end Walmarts have multiple employees off work while they self-isolate.
Walmart Canada corporate affairs manager Felicia Fefer confirmed to BarrieToday there have been numerous cases since March 6.
“Several associates from our two Barrie Walmart stores have recently tested positive for COVID-19. We’re keeping the associates in our thoughts and wish them a speedy recovery,” Fefer said.
"We conducted a deep cleaning in each of the stores," she added. "Out of an abundance of caution, associates identified as being in close, prolonged contact have been directed to self-isolate. We are in contact with local public health.”
At the north-end store on Bayfield Street, the employees last worked March 6, March 7 (two associates), March 11, March 15, and March 24 (two associates).
In the city's south end at the Mapleview Drive store, associates last worked on March 5, March 7, March 28, and March 30.
Despite numerous attempts, Walmart officials have not answered questions about what a "deep clean" entails at its stores.
There have been 36 cases in Barrie’s Walmart stores since Jan. 16.
Meanwhile, according to the Loblaws Companies website, the company currently has two cases, including one at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Barrie's south end and another at Zehrs on Bryne Drive.
An employee at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 831 Big Bay Point Rd., tested positive and last worked on March 28.
An employee at the Zehrs store on Bryne Drive also tested positive and last worked March 30.
