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In an attempt to soothe concerned customers, Loblaw executive chairman Galen Weston issued a public statement outlining his supermarket chain’s plan to respond in the Oshawa case, and in the future whenever a store employee tests positive for the virus.

“We know you’re relying on us to continue to serve you, even as COVID-19 spreads in your communities,” Weston said. “So, I’d like you to know how we will respond if colleagues test positive.”

Loblaw used its PC Optimum loyalty program to find email addresses for shoppers who visited the Oshawa store, and sent them a note — separate from Weston’s public announcement — explaining the situation.

“We understand that you may have questions and want to assure you we take your safety, and the safety of our colleagues, very seriously,” the note said, adding that the risk to customers was deemed low. “The store is frequently sanitized, and we’ve enforced social distancing practices, which have helped to minimize the risk.”

Loblaw is working with officials at Durham Public Health, the local authority, to track the affected employee’s recent shifts, and identify any colleagues who were in close contact and need to self-isolate.

“They will be instructed to stay home and we will pay them in full,” Weston said.

Loblaw will also close the store immediately for a deep clean.

“We know communities consider us an essential service right now, but we ask for your patience as we will remain closed for as long as it takes to deep-clean, or on the advice of public health,” Weston said. “At this time, health authorities continue to assure us that the risk of grocery shopping is low, but we must all take care.”

• Email: jedmiston@nationalpost.com | Twitter: jakeedmiston