Staying healthy while shopping locally

By null

By Emma Swanson Times Reporter

When shopping locally, some Strathmore businesses are focused on the health of residents in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 20, No Frills started a line-up for shoppers outside of the store entrance.
“We’re just trying to keep everyone healthy,” said Tina Shipley, owner of No Frills.
Shipley started the line-up to “monitor how many people were in the store” after the line-ups for the check-out tills began reaching the back of the store.
Shipley closed every second check-out till of No Frills, leaving three that remained open.
“I’ve never done this before in my life,” said Shipley, who has owned No Frills for 10 years.
Throughout the day, the line-up at the No Frills entrance had totaled up to 30 people, said Shipley.
“I just want people to stay home if they don’t need to be out,” said Shipley.
According to Bob Sobol, Strathmore town councillor, the health and safety of residents is the town’s main focus.
“A great deal of our stores had to close down, which is about the saddest thing that could happen, but that goes to the issue of safety for the workers and shoppers of those stores,” said Sobol. “Grocery chains are going to stay open and continue to supply; there are no concerns of shortages in these areas.”
Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Shawn Kisling said that food on the shelves of Strathmore grocery stores has been “one great thing” he’s seen in the past week.
“People aren’t stockpiling and everyone is working together,” said Kisling. “From what I’ve seen, more and more residents are helping each other out.”
When shopping locally, Kisling said it is best to not go out in large groups, adding he and his friends have been taking turns grocery shopping for one another.
In his other role as sales manager of Murray Chrysler Strathmore, Kisling said he is working together with Tim Dromarsky, the manager of Strathmore Ford to “ensure that all of our staff is as safe as possible.”
Kisling reduced his staff by a half and provided them with gloves to ensure less contact.
“Everyone is taking the proper steps and precautionary measures,” said Kisling. He added that “we will all get through this” although the local economy is “going to take a small hit.”
“This is a very strong community and economy, both on the business and resident side, and will continue to be with the support of everyone who lives here,” said Kisling.