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Coronavirus: 2nd employee at Oshawa, Ont., grocery store tests positive for COVID-19

WATCH ABOVE: Over the weekend, a second employee at the Real Canadian Superstore in Oshawa tested positive for COVID-19. This is leading to many grocery store chains taking additional measures to protect both employees and customers. Aaron Streck reports – Mar 30, 2020

A second employee at an Oshawa Real Canadian Superstore location has tested positive for coronavirus, according to the store’s Facebook page.

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The company said in a post late Saturday that the store has been temporarily closed in order for a third-party cleaning crew to attend the business and “thoroughly clean and disinfect” it.

“We appreciate your support and patience during this time,” the post said, noting it is expected to reopen Sunday morning.

The Region of Durham’s public health department said employee, an Oshawa man in his 70s, is currently at home in self-isolation.

READ MORE: Oshawa, Ont., grocery store employee diagnosed with COVID-19 dies in hospital

“As community spread continues, we appeal to everyone to be especially vigilant and encourage all area residents to take the practice of social and physical distancing very seriously,” the Region wrote in a statement Sunday morning.

“We have been in continued contact with this store since the first case was identified, providing further advice and guidance to the store.”

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The news comes three days after the death of 48-year-old Keith Saunders, whose wife said in a Facebook post that he worked as a manager at the business.

“He wore his heart on his sleeve (and) was extremely dedicated to his job and coworkers,” Katy Saunders wrote in the post.

“But never was too busy to help anyone and everyone.”

Galen Weston, the executive chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited, previously said in a statement that the company was taking several steps in response to Keith’s diagnosis.

He said the business is working with public health officials as they investigate to determine the employee’s recent contacts, adding any fellow employees who need to self-isolate will be paid in full.

READ MORE: Oshawa, Ont., grocery store employee tests positive for COVID-19

In addition to regular store cleaning, Weston said the store will close for a deep clean in consultation with public health staff.

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As of Saturday evening, the Ontario government said there were 1,117 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. In total, 18 Ontario residents have died and eight cases have been deemed resolved.

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