Apr 5, 2020
The Shoprite Group has rolled out temperature testing and mobile clinics for its employees as it continues to do everything in its power to ensure its stores remain safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Daily temperature testing as employees arrive at work and the roll out of mobile clinics follows the issuing of plastic face shields for employees last week, and stringent hygiene and sanitising protocols that have been in place across all of its stores, distribution centres and offices to keep the shopping environment virus-free.
Those with high temperatures will visit the Group’s mobile clinics for a consultation and, if necessary, will be referred for further testing. Employees of merchandising, security and cleaning companies will also undergo temperature scanning.
The Group has already rolled out four clinics at its Brackenfell, Canelands, Centurion and Cilmor distribution centres, five mobile clinics in Gauteng and four in the Western Cape. A further eight mobile clinics will be deployed in the coming week to reach KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Free State. Mobile clinics will be allocated to densely populated areas and areas where state clinics are under tremendous pressure.
- Shoprite Group CEO, Pieter Engelbrecht.
Since the virus arrived in the country strict hygiene and sanitising practices have been implemented across the Group’s operations. Customers are asked to make use of the disinfectant spray bottles when entering stores and at till points, and sani wipes are provided at store entrances for use on hands and trolley and basket handles.
Employees wear face shields that are santised on the hour and at all till points staff also sanitise till surfaces, including pin pads, and their own hands. Social distancing is strictly monitored and security personnel control the number of customers that enter stores and limit entry if necessary.
Furthermore stores have prioritised quick entry and speedy check out for all healthcare and law enforcement personnel, and have allocated dedicated till points for elderly and vulnerable people. They are also invited to enter stores ahead of the social distancing queues. Customers unable to leave their homes can order deliveries through Sixty60 and Checkers Food Services.
The Shoprite Group will continue to do everything it can to protect and provide for its employees and customers during these trying times.
Read more about the Group’s response to the Coronavirus.
* Updated May 2020
Following the updated Disaster Management Act regulations published on 29 April, the Group issued each of its employees with two fabric masks free-of-charge as part of their uniforms. The 340 000 fabric face masks were made in South Africa in support of the local textile industry.