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There is no timeline on when the store will reopen. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
pandemic

Air Ronge Co-op C-Store closed after employee shows signs of COVID-19

May 7, 2020 | 1:28 PM

Lake Country Co-op has released an official statement about the closure of the Air Ronge C-Store.

The convenience store closed Wednesday at approximately 5 p.m. According to the statement, on the same day management was informed a team member at the location was experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and was directed to self-isolate and seek testing. The team member’s case has not been confirmed as of May 7.

“The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that communities in the Far North are to implement enhanced measures to reduce the spread of the virus,” the statement reads. “As a precautionary measure, we’ve been directed by a local health inspector to close our Air Ronge C-Store, effective immediately, until we find out more information.”

Also, as a precaution, the store will be fully sanitized exceeding the recommendations of the Saskatchewan Health Authority on the guidelines for public health. Those actions are expected to be above the current enhanced, daily cleaning protocols already put in place.

“We continue to prioritize the health and safety of our team members, customers and communities, and we are confident that our already high standards for stringent cleaning and diligent social distancing efforts will minimize any health risks,” the statement reads. “We have and will continue to encourage all of our team members to seek testing and to self-isolate if they feel any potential COVID-19 symptoms.”

There are also hundreds of Canada Post boxes in the store in which residents of the tri-communities receive mail. The statement notes management is currently working with Canada Post and health authorities to establish a plan to open the post office as soon as possible. It’s hoped the reopening of the post office will occur by the weekend.

Canada Post sent an email to larongeNOW stating the corporation appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while they work through the situation.

“We are aware of the closure of the Air Ronge Co-op C-Store that occurred just [yesterday],” the email states. “Canada Post is currently working with the store management and will be in a better position to provide you and the community with additional information tomorrow.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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