Longo's shoppers must wear masks to protect against coronavirus

Safety requirement launched following outbreaks at several Vaughan stores

Yorkregion.com
May 5, 2020
Kim Zarzour

Shoppers are now required to wear masks or face coverings at all 35 Longo’s stores across the GTA.

A statement released by Anthony Longo, president and CEO, said the company is “doing the right thing” especially in times of uncertainty.

All staff are required to wear face coverings and/or shields and guests must wear masks or face coverings while in the store.

“Please bring one with you to keep everyone safe,” the statement said. “If you need covering or need a mask, please speak with a team member at the store entrance.”

In York Region, there are Longo's in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville and East Gwillimbury.

The safety measure was first launched Apr. 22 at stores located at 9200 Weston Rd, 2810 Major Mackenzie Dr. W. and 5283 Rutherford Rd. in Vaughan, as well as two the locations in Guelph and Mississauga.

A “wellness screening” pilot project, including contactless temperature checks before customers enter the store, was initiated at three Vaughan locations.

Two Longo’s stores in Vaughan experienced outbreaks of the coronavirus in late March, leading to two-week closure at the Weston Road location.

The new mask requirement is in addition to shields at check-out stations installed in late March, limits to number of shoppers, elevated staff wellness screening at the start of shifts and “reduced touchpoint” in stores.

Longo’s was praised by Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s medical officer of health, for voluntarily closing the store and being “a responsible corporate player,” taking extraordinary steps in preventing onward transmission.

Other stores in Vaughan recently reported COVID-19 clusters including seven employees at Costco at 71 Colossus Dr. (announced Apr. 27), one worker at Sobeys at 441 Clark Ave. and an employee at Walmart, 1900 Major Mackenzie Dr. Information about the latter two stores was released this weekend.

These stores remain open and no face mask policies have been announced there.

All Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose, at all times while at Costco stores in the U.S., effective May 4, in addition to store employees, but this policy has not been implemented in Canadian Costco locations.

Public Health Canada says wearing a homemade facial covering or non-medical mask in the community has not been proven to protect the person wearing it and is not a substitute for physical distancing and hand washing.

However, it can be an additional measure taken to protect others around you -- even if you have no symptoms -- and is useful for short periods of time when physical distancing is not possible, such as when grocery shopping or using public transit.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Non-medical face masks or face coverings should:

• allow for easy breathing

• fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops

• maintain their shape after washing and drying

• be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty

• be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment

• be made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen)

• be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping

• may also include a pocket to accommodate a paper towel or disposable coffee filter, for increased benefit.