Suburban
Diana Nherera, Suburban Reporter
Supermarkets in Harare’s suburban areas have put in place measures to ensure that their customers and employees are safe from COVID-19.
Ms Shamiso Pfumayaramba from SPAR’s marketing and public relations department confirmed that they are observing the COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of their customers and employees.
“We have two fabric masks per staff member which are made of breathable material.
“We are ensuring sanitization when they come into the store and regular sanitization as the day progresses.
“We are ensuring social distancing in the store, social distancing of office staff maintaining at least two metres apart.
“Upon arrival every day at the store, staff members go through a basic health and wellness check (bearing in mind that we are not health professionals).
“We have a basic question and answer log book where each staff member is asked how they are feeling, whether they have been in contact with anyone who would have tested positive for the virus.
“Then we take a temperature reading, they sanitize their hands and are allowed into the store,” she said.
Ms Pfumayaramba said; “We have sanitizers at till points for customers and staff, awareness posters at the back office and service departments on washing hands and basic hygiene steps. Perspex screens have been installed at till areas to protect both staff and customers.”
To help protect customers, she said SPAR has tasked a staff member at each outlet to ensure trolleys and baskets are sanitized.
“Sanitizers are available on entry into the store and at till points.
“We have put red tape on the floor by till points marking at least one metre social distancing.
“After every transaction, till operators wipe the Point of Sale machine and till with sanitizer.
“As part of our CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative, we open the store as early as 7.30am to 9am for pensioners above the age of 60 years for them to do their shopping on Wednesday’s and Fridays in selected stores only.
“Pensioners who have a SPAR card also get a 10 percent discount on their groceries,” said Ms Pfumayaramba.
A survey carried out by Suburban also showed that Bon Marche has put in place measures to allow few customers into its supermarkets at a time to avoid crowding.
Once they have finished their shopping, more customers who will be queuing outside also get their turn to shop.
Before getting into the store, customers first wash their hands, get their hands sanitized and have their temperature checked at the entrance.
Suburban also observed that most people at supermarkets are aware and observing social distancing although a few seemed were not doing the same.
Tape has been stuck on floors at till points to ensure social distancing is observed.
In a related matter, the City of Harare has deployed municipal police citywide to enforce the lockdown.
Council spokesperson, Mr Michael Chideme said those in defiance of the lockdown will be stopped from operating and asked to stay at home.
