Fonthill Sobeys operator back to work after investigation
Kore, also a town councillor, apologizes for working at store despite having flu symptoms
WELLAND, ONT.— Sobeys has concluded an investigation at its Fonthill store that resulted from claims the operator was coming into work while not feeling well during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ron Kore was removed from the store April 24. On Tuesday, Sobeys head office said he is returning to his post as the franchisee at the Highway 20 supermarket. No penalties have been given to Kore or the store.
Also a Pelham town councillor, Kore was the subject of a media storm after local newspaper The Voice of Pelham published an article that contained allegations he had contracted COVID-19 and was working at his store while showing symptoms.
Niagara Regional Police and the Ontario Ministry of Labour both investigated, but no charges or orders were laid against Kore or the store.
In a statement provided by Natasha Compton, Sobeys director of external communications, the store has adhered to all proper cleaning and sanitization standards and no reports of employees testing positive have been received.
“We took this investigation very seriously. Ron Kore, our franchisee partner, and his Fonthill Sobeys store team have been incredibly collaborative and supportive throughout the process,” said the corporate grocer.
Sobeys said Kore “regrets coming to work while experiencing flu-like symptoms” and that he made “reasonable inquiries with health-care and publichealth officials, who advised him he was safe to come to work.”
He took precautions and “acted in what he believed were the best interests of his team and customers during a very stressful period where his store was experiencing unprecedented pressure.”
“Nevertheless, he acknowledges the poor optics of the situation, there was no ill intent and is very sorry for the misstep,” said the company’s statement.
Sobeys said Kore has been a devoted, contributing member of the Pelham community for the past 30 years and has helped local causes greatly.
“We have received an outpouring of messages from the local community, sharing their support for Ron as an outstanding member of the community.”
On April 24, Kore issued a statement saying he was informed on April 13 that had been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, also the last day he worked.
He was tested April 17 and notified on April 20 that his results were positive, but Kore said he was told by public health that he was no longer infectious and could return to work.
In his statement, he lashed out at the Town of Pelham and called the local government’s response to the matter “reckless and irresponsible.”
The statement from Sobeys issued Tuesday included an apology from Kore.
He said the past few weeks have been “difficult and eye-opening” and that he wants to “apologize for any unintended consequences my actions caused early on in this pandemic and the resulting stress and hurt it may have caused the community.”
In the early days of the pandemic, Kore said, his store was “busier than it had ever been” and that he and his staff were under a lot of pressure.
“My instinct was to be there in the trenches with my teams, who desperately needed more on-the-ground help to support our community’s needs.”
He said he thought he was “doing the right thing” and taking the precautions necessary based on his interpretation of information and advice he’d received.
“However, I now realize that some of my decisions, and the optics around them, were imperfect and I am very sorry for this.
“Over these past few weeks I have gained some difficult but necessary lessons that I will carry with me. I have learned from this experience and I am committed to this community more than ever,” he said.
“I will work hard to gain back your confidence and trust. As a local resident and small business owner, I have witnessed first-hand what an incredible community this is and I am proud to call it home. It is an honour and privilege to serve Pelham.”
Kore did not respond to an interview request Tuesday.