Team,

The last few weeks have been incredibly challenging. We experienced panic buying based on fear and the reality of the seriousness of the situation, but we stuck together and we’re now finding many new routines. As these uncertain times continue, I wanted to take a moment to send my sincere appreciation for your tremendous hard work and dedication to serving our Alberta Division communities. I have never been more proud of our frontline heroes. Your dedication, hard work and compassion are incredible. Thank you!

As we continue to operate as an essential service for Canadian families, the health and safety of our teammates and customers remains our top priority. Over the last few weeks, we have made a series of changes to help keep you safe;

• Created a process for teammates to wash their hands every fifteen minutes.
• Added extra resources to wipe down common areas more often.
• Installed plexiglass cashier shields and backboards to protect our teammates and customers.
• Added floor markers at check out to help facilitate a two-meter distance as customers line up.
• Asking customers who bring reusable bags to pack their own groceries.
• Limited the number of customers in the store to promote physical distancing along with front vestibule monitoring and cart sanitation.
• Restricted the sale and redemption of Lotto, vending machines, Western Union and Rug Doctor.
• Increased the tap limit on credit card purchases to decrease contact and high-touch surfaces.
• Closed full service departments and cancelled all product demos and sampling events
• Providing gloves, masks and face shields as PPE for those employees who want them.

We’ve also implemented “one-way aisles” to ensure customers do not pass too closely together when going in opposite directions, and we’re encouraging customers to designate one individual per family do to the shopping for their home. These are a few of the many measures in place to help keep all of us safe and healthy.

As well, we are in constant communication with Health Canada and Alberta Health Services (AHS) to ensure we are taking the necessary steps to support our teammates that are impacted by COVID-19. Out of respect and their confidentiality, we will not release any personal information about our people, but will be transparent with where we have been notified of COVID-19 cases in our stores. We will continue to work with AHS in each COVID scenario.

I know it hasn’t been easy, but I am so grateful for your leadership and support during these difficult times. You continue to prove that our Safeway pride is strong in Alberta, and we will continue to stand side-by-side as we navigate through this together.

Scott Chollak

VP, Alberta Operations