Grocery chain adds measures to prevent virus spread

Save-On-Foods has introduced new measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The B.C.-owned chain has temporarily suspended bottle returns and the use of reusable shopping bags in its stores.

“Effective March 20, all 178 Save-On-Foods stores across Western Canada will provide plastic bags to customers free of charge until further notice,” a news release from the company said.

The move is aimed at protecting the health and safety of Save-On-Foods team members and customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Both our team members and customers have expressed concern about bottle returns and in using reusable bags at this time and we want to do everything we can to put them at ease,” Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones said. “The health and safety of our team members and customers is our number one priority and we’ll continue to do what’s best for them as this unprecedented situation evolves.”

Suspending the use of bottle returns and reusable bags is one of many measures the company has undertaken in response to the COVID crisis, as well as limiting shopping hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and dedicating the hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. to seniors and others at risk to shop.

Save-On-Foods is also urging customers to shop normally and leave their delivery service available for people who can’t get to the store.