COVID-19: People’s Employee Followed All Protocols

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.