SINGAPORE: NTUC FairPrice Finest at Bedok Mall will be closed for three days starting from Wednesday (Apr 1), after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee has been quarantined and is being monitored by medical personnel.



All employees who work in the Bedok Mall outlet have been put on leave of absence, said NTUC FairPrice in a media release.

"The affected staff works in the backend replenishing stock and has minimal contact with customers," said NTUC FairPrice.



The employee, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Tuesday evening, last went to work on Mar 25.

The employee was on leave on Mar 26 and visited the doctor on Mar 27 for a fever. The employee has since been on medical leave, added the release.

"FairPrice is extending all the necessary assistance to the affected staff and the employee’s family during this time," it said.



The store premises will be disinfected using "deep cleaning procedures" before it re-opens on Saturday, said FairPrice.

A sign notifying the supermarket's closure is seen at NTUC FairPrice Finest at Bedok Mall. (Photo: Joshua Chong)

CONTACT TRACING



FairPrice said it is working with authorities to assist them with contact tracing, and to ensure all stores are safe for customers and staff members.

"The co-operative apologises for any inconvenience caused," it said, adding that no effort is being spared to protect its customers and employees.



Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, the supermarket has stepped up cleaning regimes, especially for high touch surfaces like railings, trolleys, baskets, checkout counters every four hours, said FairPrice.

All staff members and suppliers have their temperature taken at least twice a day and hand sanitisers have been made available for customers to use, it added.



A photo circulating online of a closed NTUC Finest store at Bedok Mall.

Customers are also encouraged to maintain safe distancing, with floor markings at checkout queues, posters and announcements put in place to remind customers to do so.



During the temporary closure, customers have been advised to visit the nearest FairPrice store in the vicinity at Block 212 Bedok North Street 1.



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