Beginning on Wednesday, Tim Hortons will be taking additional safety measures to protect staff and customers from the spread of COVID-19.
At each of its locations across Canada, the coffee giant will now be requiring every employee to take a temperature check before starting their shift, according to chief operating officer Mike Hancock.
“They’ll be asked if they’ve had a fever, cough, or shortness of breath since their last shift, and if they’ve come into contact with anyone who has tested positive or is being tested for COVID-19 since their last shift,” Hancock said in a statement.
“They’ll then use a sanitized thermometer on their forehead to read their temperature.”
The temperature checks will apply to employees as well as anyone else who needs to go behind the front counter.
Hancock also said the company will also be requiring that all employees wear disposable masks at work.
“We have sourced a grade of mask that’s similar to the surgical masks used in hospitals but manufactured with a different standard, so we’re not impacting the supply of masks in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.”
According to Hancock, the company has an “adequate supply” of masks for employees across the country.
These are the latest measures being taken by the coffee giant they’ve already started to install acrylic protective shields at front counters and drive-thru windows.
Earlier this month, Hancock also announced that the company would be opening hundreds of locations along major Canadian highways to provide a space for truck drivers to grab a bite to eat, with washrooms at these locations being sanitized at least every 15 minutes.
“Canada is relying on front line essential workers to get us through the COVID-19 crisis and truck drivers play an integral role in keeping the country running. We salute them, we thank them for their tireless work,” said Hancock.
Back in March, Tim Hortons also said it would be providing $40 million to support team members affected by COVID-19.
Graham Cox
