Save-On-Foods grocery stores will be setting a maximum capacity limit of 50 per cent at all B.C. stores in an effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Save-On-Foods told CHEK News on Wednesday that it has posted the 50 per cent operating capacity number on signage out front of each store location across the province.
The grocery chain adds that there will be an effort in the coming days for local teams to increase signage throughout the store in areas that typically see congestion, such as the front end or departments like the deli and bakery areas.
The operating capacity at each location is in line with how each store has been operating since the start of the pandemic.
“This is all part of our efforts to reinforce that physical distancing is required whenever possible for the safety of both team members and customers and as outlined in our COVID-19 safety plan, which has been re-instated as ordered by our Public Health Officer,” reads a statement from Save-On-Foods.
Save-On-Foods also says that it will be continuing with enhanced safety protocols for the foreseeable future, which include increased sanitizing of all areas throughout stores, providing sanitization stations for customers and staff, and utilizing a symptom checker for staff members prior to entering the building, among others.
“Our store clerks and leaders are doing an amazing job in what continues to be a very difficult time and we are so grateful to our valued customers for their patience and kindness with our teams when visiting our stores,” the grocery chain emphasizes.
The decision to lower capacity limits at stores comes as COVID-19 cases continue to soar. British Columbia is also seeing a major spike in hospitalizations in recent days, with the total at 854 as of January 18, 2022.
B.C. also has extended a set of restrictions for other businesses that require the closure of liquor-primary establishments as well as limit events to 50 per cent capacity. Grocery stores are not required by the B.C. government to have a capacity limit.
Graham Cox
