Sobeys has announced a new National mask protocol and guideline for their supply chain locations that they hope will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Company sent us a memo outlining the new step which will become effective August 23rd. The memo speaks to -"mandatory mask wearing effective Sunday, August 23rd, 2020, for all RSC based employees including all warehouse and office teammates, inbound and outbound transportation drivers, RSC contractors, and RSC visitors".

"We support steps Employers are taking to make the workplaces safer for our members" said Local 247 Secretary Treasurer Dan Goodman. "I read an article earlier today where it was said that data presented by B.C. public health authorities last week showed the province is on track to exceed the number of cases it saw during the peak early days of the pandemic if behaviours don't change. People are getting too comfortable and we all need to do our part to keep each other safe and the closed environment of the warehouses can be difficult to deal with."

Just last week most Safeway stores across the province began requiring masks for all employees.

A recent article that you can read here says that 1 in 5 Canadians are actually doing little to curb coronavirus spread. This is particularly concerning when many of the steps people can take are simple:

• Wear a mask
• keep at least two feet apart from others
• avoid public spaces and adhere to social distancing rules
• avoid physical contact when you can
• Wash your hand often!