The most recent COVID-19 case confirmed for an employee at the Newmarket/East Gwillimbury Costco is of low risk for exposure to fellow staff and customers, according to York Region Public Health.
"As of Nov. 12, we are aware of a confirmed COVID-19 case employed at Costco that last worked on Nov. 7, 2020. From our case investigation, it was determined the exposure was low risk to staff and patrons of the store due to safety measures in place at the location," York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey said.
According to a memo posted at the store for employees, management was informed of the positive result on Nov. 10, the employee last worked Nov. 8, and tested positive Nov. 10.
An additional notice to employees indicates another employee, who last worked Oct. 28, had tested positive Oct. 31.
"We have been left in the dark," said an employee who wished to remain anonymous to protect their employment, but is concerned that staff and the public are not provided further details.
"We share the same washrooms," the employee said. "I understand the need to protect the person's privacy, but we should be told what department and which shifts they worked."
The employee added some staff are "very uncomfortable" in the current environment because of the large volume of customers in the store at one time, some of whom are not keeping two metres apart from others, and are not wearing their masks and face coverings properly after they enter the store.
"We talk about this every day," the employee said of her co-workers, who would like to see limits on the number of customers permitted in the store at one time, as well as better enforcement of physical distancing and masking guidelines.
The first postive COVID-19 case at the local warehouse was last June.
At that time, store manager Michael Moore said in an employee notice that co-workers known to have been in close contact with positive cases will be contacted directly.
The company said it is committed to informing employees as soon as it becomes aware of these cases.
“We are undertaking additional cleaning and sanitation protocols and will continue with our daily enhanced cleaning,” Moore wrote to staff.
The public health unit has previously received complaints regarding the Costco located at 18182 Yonge St, East Gwillimbury, Casey said.
"During both the first and second wave of COVID-19 in York Region, York Region Public Health has conducted onsite visits at this location in order to respond to complaints and to provide education on infection prevention and control measures," he said. "We have also been in contact with Costco head office."
The public health has recently provided electronic notification to large retail stores in York Region informing them of the recent regulatory changes and the need to have a COVID-19 plan in place, Casey said.
Under orange restrict and red control requirements, retail outlets must manage line-ups and patrons congregating outside to ensure a two-metre distance and wearing of face coverings, and are to consider limiting capacity during the winter.
