An employee at John’s No Frills in Newmarket has tested positive for COVID-19.
The employee has not worked in the store at 50 Davis Dr. since April 18, according to an email sent to customers by No Frills corporate office at 10 p.m. April 21.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re notifying customers who recently transacted at this store,” the email stated.
Franchise owner John van Teunenbroek said he could not provide any details regarding the employee’s role at the store in respect of his or her privacy.
“We’re still working through it,” he said.
The store is open for business as usual after a thorough deep-clean and sanitization, according to the email.
While van Teunenbroek did not want to comment specifically on how employees are dealing with the news about their co-worker, he did say, “They have been phenomenal, they have been inspirational.”
The store has been following daily disinfectant protocols and physical distancing practices, and cashiers are working behind plexiglas shields, van Teunenbroek said.
Employees wishing to wear masks are doing so, he said.
The store is “reaching out” to York Region public health to investigate the team member’s recent shifts and direct contacts, according to No Frills, and any potentially exposed team members have been instructed to self-isolate at home.
York Region public health was informed this morning of the positive case of COVID-19 of the No Frills employee, York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey confirmed.
"The outbreak management team is following up and will advise of any measures or next steps that may be required," Casey said.
“We understand that you may have questions and want to assure you that we take your safety, and the safety of our team, very seriously,” No Frills stated in the email. “We will work with the local public health team on any further directions and encourage you to reach out to them if you need more information.”
For information about symptoms, visit York Region's COVID-19 page.
If you are unsure if you need to self-isolate or get tested, call York Region public health at 1-800-361-5653.
