(Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

WEEKEND SHOPPING

Shoppers endure line-ups as community urged to self-isolate

Mar 20, 2020 | 5:48 PM

Meadow Lake Extra Foods had stocked shelves this morning and staff are working hard as shoppers fill their carts and endure long lineups.

It’s the first weekend since the province declared a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 18.

Security staff are doing a head count at the store and said they are limiting the number of people in to approximately 150 shoppers at a time.

“I haven’t closed the doors yet. We’re only about 140 people now,” a member of the security said. “If we do [reach 150], we’ll have to shut the doors and wait for someone to leave, then let another person in.”

Most shoppers said they are stocking up as part of their normal shopping habits.

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Cynthia Corrigal, who drove from Île-à-la-Crosse, said she is doing her regular shopping without any panic.

“I always come on Friday’s and I’m just shopping as normal,” she said. “I’m not concerned.”

Raven Lasas drove from Waterhen Lake and said she plans her shopping around her family allowance benefit.

“On family allowance days is usually when I plan my shopping,” she said. “I couldn’t find mostly meat products, facial tissues, or bottled water.”

Trina Estralshenen drove three hours from Patuanak to do her shopping and said she had a hard time finding meat.

“It’s the only place we can shop,” she said. “I’m just stocking up until the end of the month. I’m not scared or anything. No need to panic.”

Public Health advice

The advice from public health officials to help stem the spread of COVID-19 is for everyone to practice social distancing – ensuring you are at least two metres from one another. Proper hygiene is also required through regular and ongoing handwashing, and coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Other measures include self-isolating if you feel sick, and to refrain from non-essential travel. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

According to the province, groups of over 50 people are banned from congregating.

Seniors are most vulnerable to COVID-19 as well as those with underlying or compromised health conditions.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722