COVID-19: Risk mitigation measures at the SQDC

 

Montréal, March 14, 2020 (Updated March 18, 2020) – As we collectively face the reality of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a situation that is evolving rapidly, we want to inform you of the risk mitigation measures we have put in place in order to minimize risks for the health of our employees and customers. Our goal is to offer a safe shopping and working environment.

We have put a working group in place, dedicated solely to the coronavirus situation, that closely follows the public health authorities’ recommendations. This taskforce works closely with our store managers to ensure that we take all the necessary preventive measures.

In-store hygiene

• We have increased the cleaning frequency of our stores. This includes doors, payment terminals, and counters;
• Card payments are required to avoid cash handling until further notice;
• We have reduced product handling between employees and customers;
• We verify the age of customers by looking at their ID only;
• We have made antiviral products, such as hand sanitizer, available to our employees;
• We frequently remind all employees of the need to adopt the necessary hygiene measures to prevent the spread and transmission of the virus (such as frequent hand-washing).

We have asked all our employees who have travelled abroad, including store employees, to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

We kindly ask all customers who have recently travelled abroad or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, to avoid visiting our stores and do their shopping online at SQDC.ca instead.

Online purchases and shipping

For all customers who order online, we remind you that Canada Post has modified its door-to-door delivery procedure for orders requiring a signature and age verification since March 15. From now on, delivery agents will leave a notice card indicating the post office where customers can pick up their items by showing proof of identity and signature. For more details, visit: canadapost.ca.

We are continuing our efforts to ensure timely delivery of packages despite the high volume of orders received in the past few days, but additional delays may occur. We thank you for your understanding.

Impact on supply

For the time being, we do not foresee any issues with product supply in-store or online. Our supply chain team is in constant communication with suppliers to stay informed of the latest developments.

Employee health and well-being

Our employees are essential to the continuity of our operations, so their health and well-being is our top priority. That is why we have issued the following internal policies, which will remain in effect until further notice:

• All business meetings will be held by videoconferencing or phone;
• In addition to cancelling all business trips, we have asked all our employees to cancel any personal trips abroad they may have planned until April 30.