Partly in response to these numbers, we have seen some masked employees at local stores. One of these is Hazlewood Drugs in Boissevain. According to proprietor Megan Hamilton, the recent spike of cases played the major role in the decision.
“We started on August 14, having masks mandatory for staff members,” Hamilton explained. “It was because of the increase of COVID-19 cases locally in Prairie Mountain Health, Brandon specifically.”
At the drug store, staff social distancing can be a challenge. Wearing masks helps mitigate the problem.
“It decreases the number of respiratory droplets in the air, which decreases the risk.”
Earlier on in the pandemic, Hazlewoods’ had patrons stop at the front counter, and staff picked up items for them. This changed a few months ago, and Hamilton said they are still allowing customers to pick up their own items for now, with a limit of 10 in the store at one time. They are continuing their delivery policy.
Hamilton added staff are not wearing gloves, as there is not a lot of evidence they help. Instead they continue with their hand washing and cleaning policies.
During the same week, Boundary Co-op began wearing masks at their locations across Boissevain, Deloraine, Killarney, Hartney and Waskada, and as of Monday, August 17, they became mandatory. According to Marketing Manager Cheryl Rushing, the decision was made by administration and senior management, who meet regularly to deal with the pandemic.
“Last week it was decided that wearing masks would be a simple but effective measure to reduce the risk of spread among both our staff and public,” Rushing explained.
Like the drug store, many Co-op locations have situations where it is difficult for employees to perfectly social distance. This makes masks an effective aid to protecting them and the public.
Rushing said they ordered a number of masks from suppliers online, including some from Federated which have the Co-op shield on them. She added some employees have chosen to sew their own. There are also a number of plastic face shields available.
“Boundary has over 200 employees and we have allowed for two masks per person.”
One initial response to the pandemic in the spring at Boundary was to stop allowing recyclable bags for shoppers and switch back to free plastic ones. This was to prevent the virus from being carried back and forth on them. However, on August 4, they started using the reusable bags again. Rushing said people wanted to bring them back as they were concerned about the waste. Some retail areas were going back to them, and some had never stopped.
“We have regular meetings and discuss what is going on,” Rushing stated. “Everything is always being looked at and discussed. We know more about the virus now. It is more about working hard to stay at home when you are sick, wash your hands, wear masks, try to be as careful as you can.”
At the time of speaking, Hamilton felt the only change she could see would be to ask patrons to wear masks. In fact, she was a prophet, as the province declared the PMH region restricted, which means people must wear face coverings in public spaces and gatherings, which are to be restricted to 10 people. Rushing said it is hard to speculate what will happen, but they will do their best to keep everyone safe.
   “We follow closely the guidelines and advice set out by health inspectors and public health, and will adjust our policies to follow their advice.”

by PAUL RAYNER
Recorder staff