People’s: Employee Followed Govt Protocols
[Updated] Following rumours regarding one of their employees, People’s said it is “reckless and untrue to link this employee’s case to the current reported case in the media surrounding an employee who breached protocol.”
In a post on social media, the company said: “We take your health very seriously. A vicious rumour is circulating about one of our employees, so we have issued a statement to clarify that, while a People’s employee did test positive for COVID-19, it was after that employee had followed all government protocols and received two negative tests over the span of 14 days. This is not to be confused with the person who did not follow quarantine protocols and went to work before receiving results.”
The statement issued by the company said, “It has come to our attention that one of our returning staff members, despite following government protocol and receiving two negative tests, subsequently had a positive third test after returning to work.
“It is reckless and untrue to link this employee’s case to the current reported case in the media surrounding an employee who breached protocol. This is patently unfair to our employee, who did nothing wrong other than to be the unfortunate recipient of a third positive test, following two negative test results in the span of 14 days.
“At People’s Pharmacy, we take the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers very seriously. We have ensured, for the duration of the pandemic, that business is conducted in the safest manner possible. Our management team works in conjunction with the COVID-19 case management team.
“Our staff follow strict masking and hand hygiene protocols on the shop floor. They are encouraged to follow a rigorous set of steps off the store floor and when returning to their respective homes to maintain the safety of coworkers and family. To go one step above, in early April, we implemented a rigorous cleaning schedule so that all high traffic areas and common spaces were thoroughly deep cleaned on a daily basis.
“Using the best available methods, the entire store is deep cleaned after any reported contact tracing links positive cases to People’s Pharmacy. Last night, the store was thoroughly defogged by Atlantic Cleaning.
“It is unfortunate that Bermuda has come so far, and now faces the unavoidable challenge of opening for business with the reality that positive cases will return to our shores. Just as we navigated this danger from March through June, we will continue to review our procedures and ensure that even tighter controls are in place for any employee who travels and returns to work.
“Despite government mandates, which only require a negative arrival test to be removed from quarantine, People’s will now ensure all returning staff members have a full 14 day period of proven negative results. We learn from every challenge we face and, in doing so, continue to maintain a healthy and safe environment considering the realities of our new norm.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind our valued customers about the importance of adhering to proper masking and public health protocols at all times. Each one of us plays a role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
Update 9.22pm: As part of their press statement tonight, the Government said, “The Government would also like to take the opportunity to clarify speculation regarding People’s Pharmacy. The Government does not identify any business or establishment unless there is a public health reason to do so.
“However, there is speculation that the person who broke quarantine on Wednesday, that was mentioned at Thursday’s press conference, was an employee of People’s Pharmacy. That is not true and we would ask persons to refrain from damaging speculation.”
As the island and world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are doing our best to provide timely and accurate information, and you can find more information on the links below.
- All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
- Official: The Bermuda Government website here
- World Stats: Live graph of all cases worldwide here
- Bermuda Stats: Chart of the Bermuda stats here
- Timeline: Visual look at the timeline here
- Comprehensive: Our new Covid-19 website here
The great and wonderful social media strikes again. Imagine what society will be like in another 10 years. Holy cow!
The main source of information on this island is gossip.
To further prevent speculation and rumours wouldn’t it be in everyone’s best interest to reveal where the business is and to shut it down for two weeks?
Just common sense, no?
Why isn’t it called the ‘Person’s Pharmacy’?
I would like to known when this person was working? If they were on the floor? How many customers may have come in contact with them? We need to know.