Welland Beer Store employee tests positive for COVID-19

The Beer Store on Thorold Road in Welland is closed until Wednesday after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

“This employee, who last worked in the store on April 15, is now at home in isolation, where we are all sending our best wishes and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery,” Beer Store spokesperson Bill Walker said Monday.

The Wednesday opening would mark 14 days since the affected employee last worked.

A full COVID-19 protocol has been implemented at the store, which will be subject to a wall-to-wall disinfectant cleaning and fogging, said the statement.

Employees have been contacted and those affected are self-isolating, said Walker.

The Beer Store is using “unprecedented

new cleaning and public distancing protocols” in all stores, among other measures including using greeters to help arriving customers understand the new protocols, said Walker.

At about 11:30 a.m. Monday, a few people were turned away by a sign on the front door that said the store has been closed until further notice.

Walker said he could not comment on when the employee tested positive.

The location closed Monday after being notified Sunday night, he said.

Niagara Region Public Health communications consultant Kerri Stoakley said Monday the temporary closure was not ordered by local officials.

The Thorold Road outlet was open over the weekend until some time Sunday.

It is one of two Beer Stores in Welland. The other is at 390 Lincoln St.