Coronavirus: SLGA ramps up health and safety measures at liquor stores

The union representing workers at provincially owned liquor stores in Saskatchewan says additional measures are being taken to protect staff and customers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Along with increased sanitizing practices, SGEU (Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union) said all employees are now required to wear gloves.

Payment terminals will be covered in plastic and regularly sanitized, and installation of plexiglass shields at cashier stations is ongoing, SGEU said.

Sharon Friess, chair of SGEU’s Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) bargaining committee, said the new health and safety measures were brought in after the government said all stores will remain open.

“Public liquor store employees are committed to providing high quality and safe service to all our customers during these difficult and rapidly changing times,” Friess said Tuesday.

The number of customers allowed in a store is being restricted based on the size of the store.

Friess said that number ranges from two customers at a time for small stores up to 10 at a time in the larger stores.

She said markers are on the ground for customers to maintain proper social distancing, along with signs.

Store hours have not changed, Friess added.

SGEU said any employee with COVID-19 symptoms is required to self-isolate for 14 days.

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Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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