Winnipeg Liquor Mart closes for cleaning after employee tests positive for COVID-19

AWinnipeg Liquor Mart has been closed fordeep cleaning after an employeetested positive for COVID-19, theCrown corporation responsible for alcohol sales said Wednesday.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries said in a Wednesday press release it was notified earlier in the day by an employee at the Garden City Liquor Mart that their COVID-19 test resultswere positive.

The employee last worked at the store in northwest Winnipegon Saturday. Liquor & Lotteries said it is reaching out to customers who were in the store.

The staff member is self-isolating and recovering at home, the release said.

Liquor & Lotteries said another Liquor Mart location, near the intersection of Main Street and Pritchard Avenue, was also closed for additional cleaning as a precautionary measure.

An employee at that location had been in contact with the Garden City staffer.

A provincial public health order to closenon-critical businesses, such as bars, hair salons, massage therapy offices and dine-in serviceat restaurants, went into effect Wednesday. Licensed liquor stores,cannabis shops and other businesses deemed to provide essential services are allowed to stay open.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union said in a statement it wantsmore safety precautions for liquor store staff who continue to serve the public during the pandemic.

While some stores have recently installed Plexiglas screens and physical distancing markers on the floors, the union has been calling on the employer to set up better protection at all locations in the province.

MGEU also wants Liquor Marts to limit sales to credit and debit transactions only.

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