Dartmouth, N.S., liquor store employee tests positive for COVID-19

An employee at a liquor store in Dartmouth, N.S., has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a social media statement Sunday night, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) confirmed the positive case at its Portland Street location.

“The employee has our full support,” the NSLC tweeted. “The store will reopen at 10 a.m. (Monday) with employees from other stores in the area. Thanks for respecting precautions.”

READ MORE: Dartmouth NSLC store temporarily closed after employee exposed to case of COVID-19

The NSLC says the employee last worked Thursday and has not worked since getting the results.

The store was closed on Friday after the NSLC said an employee was exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.

0:56 Coronavirus outbreak: Nova Scotia reports 26 new cases of COVID-19, bringing total to 262

The NSLC said the closure was the result of the company following public health advice and protocol.

“We closed the store as soon as we were aware, posted a sign for customers and had a professional cleaning service deep clean and disinfect the store,” the NSLC told Global News on Friday.

READ MORE: 26 new cases of coronavirus in Nova Scotia, more options for testing announced

The sign taped to the store read: “Temporary store closures give us time and space to adjust our operations and create a safer shopping environment for our customers and our employees.”

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.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.