Employee of Merivale Mall Shoppers tests positive for COVID-19

Shoppers Drug Mart employee tests positive CTV’s Leah Larocque has customer reaction from Merivale Mall.

OTTAWA — An employee of the Shoppers Drug Mart at the Merivale Mall has tested positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson for Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart's parent company, confirmed the diagnosis in an email to CTV News Ottawa.

"We are reaching out to the local public health team and have taken a number of steps to minimize risk, including increased sanitization protocols and enforcing social distancing practices in the store," Catherine Thomas, Senior Director of External Communication said. "The store was also closed for a thorough cleaning. Additionally, employees who worked closely with this individual are now at home in self-isolation, monitoring for any symptoms."

Customers were also contacted.

Emails were sent to customers via their PC Optimum account, informing them of the diagnosis.

"We understand that you may have questions and want to assure you that we take your safety, and the safety of our employees, very seriously. We will work with the local public health team on any further directions, and encourage you to reach out to them if you need more information," the email said.

The company said the Ottawa Hospital advised them of the positive diagnosis Friday and said they were working with Ottawa Public Health to investigate the employee's recent shifts and direct contacts. The store was closed overnight for cleaning.

"Out of respect for the employee’s privacy, we are not providing more information," an unnamed Loblaw spokesperson said in an email to CTV News Ottawa.

A Loblaw spokesperson says customers with any questions about the case should contact Ottawa Public Health.

Ottawa Public Health is reporting 106 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa as of Saturday.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia in both lungs.

With reporting from CTV's Leah Larocque.