Toronto IKEA location confirms employee coronavirus case

IKEA Canada has confirmed a North York employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a statement emailed to Daily Hive, IKEA learned of the North York location employee’s test on September 24, and they last worked in store on September 20.

“We are supporting our co-worker to ensure they have everything they need and hope for their full recovery soon,” said IKEA.

They also said the safety of IKEA co-workers and customers is their top priority and are “taking extensive precautionary measures to reduce any risk of exposure, always following the guidelines of Toronto Public Health.”

The company said it has identified and notified any co-workers who may have been in close contact with the individual and have taken appropriate steps to institute compulsory self-isolation, in cooperation with health officials.

As well, IKEA North York completed an enhanced cleaning of the affected areas.

“Working in line with the recommendations of local health authorities, we have continued to implement procedures to ensure a safe environment to work and shop across all IKEA units in Canada,” said the company.

IKEA’s locations in Burlington, Etobicoke, Ottawa, North York, and Vaughan opened on May 19 after the COVID-19 closure in March.

At the time, the company said it was “working in line with recommendations from local governments and health authorities,” having had implemented “enhanced, preventative health, and safety measures” across the IKEA shopping experience network.