UPDATE: Five Walmart employees test positive for COVID-19 in York Region, Simcoe

Memo indicates cases in Aurora, Thornhill, Bradford; 2 stores in Vaughan also test positive

Yorkregion.com
May 27, 2020
Kim Zarzour

Five employees at Walmart stores in the York Region area have tested positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson for the chain did not confirm which stores were affected, but yorkregion.com has obtained memos alerting suppliers to positive coronavirus cases in the Aurora, Thornhill and Bradford stores.

Adam Grachnik, Walmart Canada’s director of corporate affairs, said May 26 that two stores in Vaughan have also had associates test positive, at 8300 Hwy 27 and 101 Edgley Blvd.

“We have been in contact with the associates and are keeping them in our thoughts. Everyone at Walmart wishes them a speedy recovery.”

In each case, Grachnik said, associates identified as being in close prolonged contact have been directed to self-isolate.

“We also work in partnership with local health officials and take steps to help ensure the safety of our associates and customers. Associates who have tested positive are using our COVID paid leave options as they recover.”

In memos sent to suppliers dated May 24, Walmart said the company was informed May 22 that an associate who tested positive last worked in the Thornhill store on May 18.

“We are taking appropriate measures to ensure the work environment is safe and we will continue to take measures necessary to ensure the well-being of our associates, customers, and anyone working in or visiting our facilities. The store is open today and operating under regular operating hours,” it said.

A similar memo dated May 24 said the company was informed May 22 of an associate who tested positive last working at the Aurora store May 17.

And a third similarly worded memo dated May 24 informed suppliers the company was notified May 23 of a COVID-19-positive associate who last worked at the Bradford store May 16.
Grachnik did not not respond to questions about which departments the associates worked in, their roles, whether they had any contact with the public, which dates they worked at the store, whether customers were informed or whether the stores were closed for cleaning.

However, he did say, “we’ve implemented even more measures to ensure our stores, services and distribution centres are as safe as possible."

These steps include introducing temperature and wellness checks for associates, increasing cleaning throughout stores, encouraging regular handwashing, offering associates glove and masks, regularly cleaning work areas, especially checkouts, installing plexi-glass dividers at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies and introducing floor markings and one-way aisles to create physical distancing.

“Rest assured, we will continue to take measures necessary to ensure the well-being of our customers and associates.”