For months, local residents and business owners have expressed their frustrations over big box stores remaining open even while under a COVID outbreak.
Small businesses across the province have been hit with tight restrictions and multiple closures throughout the course of the pandemic, while big-box retailers have seemed unphased.
Now, a Walmart Superstore located in Airdrie has been forced to temporarily shut its doors due to a COVID outbreak. Walmart store #1050, located at 2881 Main Street, shut its doors last night (May 27) and will remain closed to the public until June 6.
A written statement from Walmart Canada states that several employees have tested positive prompting the 10-day closure.
"We’re keeping the associates in our thoughts and wish them a speedy recovery. All associates will be paid while the store remains closed," the statement reads.
"Out of an abundance of caution, when an associate who works in one of our stores is confirmed as having tested positive, associates identified as being in close prolonged contact are directed to self-isolate."
The Cochrane Walmart Superstore has been listed on the Alberta Health Services outbreak list since May 6 and remains open.
CochraneNow has reached out to Walmart Canada for clarification on the criteria for closure and has yet to receive a comment.
The notice posted at the entrance of Airdrie's Walmart Superstore.
Thu, May 2, 4:30 PM
Full-time, Part-time, Retail