Ballito Village Spar employee tests positive for coronavirus

Ballito Spar at Balvista Centre in the old Ballito Village has temporarily closed its doors following an employee testing positive for coronavirus.

According to a statement released by the Spar Group, the employee’s last day of work was on April 16 and the test was done on April 17.

The employee come into contact with an infected person and through trace identification a test was conducted.

The results were received earlier today, April 21, resulting in the immediate closure of the store.

A full decontamination of the store will take place and store management will work closely with the health department in terms of identification, self-isolation and testing of other staff.

According to the statement, no other staff have shown symptoms.

“The health and safety of customers, staff and the community remain the highest priority at Ballito Spar and we are taking the appropriate, swift action to contain the spread of the virus,” said owner Paul Rencken.

“The store has been diligent in implementing measures to limit the risk of Covid-19 transmission during the lockdown period, including daily temperature checks, social distancing, the use of masks and hand sanitiser, deep cleaning and perspex sheet protection at tills.

“We take our role as an essential service provider seriously and will continue to go the extra mile to keep our staff and customers safe.”

The store management will advise the public accordingly when Ballito Spar will reopen for business.

Rencken said Lifestyle SuperSpar was in no way affected.

“Although they belong to the same group, the two stores employ completely separate and independent staff complements.

“In fact, along with other robust protocols, Lifestyle SuperSpar are running on a split-shift basis in order to mitigate risk and will continue to trade as normal, 7am – 6pm daily, during

lockdown.”

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