South Country Co-op (photo courtesy Colton Mckee)

By Chantal Wagner

occupancy breakdown

Restricted capacity for most retail businesses

Nov 25, 2020 | 4:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – When it comes to retail outlets like grocery stores, pharmacies, and clothing stores they are all allowed to stay open, but the capacity is set at 25 percent of fire code limits.

That mandatory restriction is effective this Friday, November 27, and is for enhanced status zones which Medicine Hat is part of.

South Country Co-op CEO Paul Haynes says the occupancy number will vary in their stores.

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According to their permit based on square footage, they can have between 125-150 shoppers at their large food centres.

Once they apply the 25 percent rule, some stores will fall into 50-75 people who can shop at any given time.

Haynes says they are finalizing those numbers this afternoon.

New signage reflecting the occupancy number will be posted at their locations including liquor stores and gas bars.

“We’ve reviewed all of those again this morning and we will be updating our numbers accordingly to make sure we adhere to the 25% level of control and I think we’re in pretty good shape. We will be putting additional clerks on to make sure we monitor that throughout the day and make sure the numbers are controlled to ensure the safety of everyone shopping at our locations.”

Haynes assures customers that they have lots of food in the supply chain and shoppers don’t have to panic or worry when grocery shopping.

Adding that prior to the announcement on Tuesday, there was a fair amount of nervousness in the market.

“In terms of activity in the store, the stores were quite a bit busier and people seem to be going back to buying more just in fear of what could be coming,” Haynes said.

Particularly they’ve noticed in terms of paper goods, there has been quite a rush for toilet paper and paper towels.

“With anyone shopping at our facilities, please reach out to our team members and thank them for what they do every day. It’s not easy. And so it’s really nice when you get some positive comments from the customers,” Haynes told Chat News.

Adding that the pandemic is starting to take its toll but they are doing what they can to support front line team members.

“There’s no doubt, some of our team members out there are tired with this pandemic and I know they’re looking forward to coming out the other end and get past this. But they’ve all been super supportive and we’re trying to communicate with them on a regular basis, but there’s no doubt this COVID fatigue is starting to set in and it does take an effect on you or I at some point and time,” he said.

Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person visits to retail locations and use curbside pick up, delivery, and online services.