As Samoa moves its coronavirus pandemic response up a notch, Lucky Foodtown Supermarket at Saleufi is leading the way in awareness on COVID-19 among customers and staff members.

Mike Van of Lucky Foodtown said they are currently undertaking extra precautions to ensure their customers are protected.

“Lucky Foodtown always had health and hygiene practices in store,” he said.

The store was shut down temporarily last week to allow time for staff training on how to not only protect their customers but themselves as well. The key points emphasised during the staff training include: 

• Washing of hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol based solution 

• Covering your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze or cough 

• Dispose of tissue immediately and wash your hands, and avoiding touching face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering.

• Social distancing, taking a step back, staying at least one metre away from others 

•Pay attention to how you feel, as employees are encouraged to stay home and follow instructions provided by the Ministry of Health

Mr. Van said they are taking precautions and continue to disinfect public-accessed areas of the shop including the counters, trolley handles, shopping baskets, door handles restrooms and surfaces every half an hour. 

“We ring bells in store every half an hour so all the employees are aware that it is time to disinfect all these areas," he said.

“Health and safety is our highest priority and we have updated employees on these precautions with the help of the Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation updates.”

Mr. Van said it has been observed that the customers have caught on to the practice and for this, they are very much appreciated.

“Our customers have been very cautious themselves, wearing masks when coming in store and using our 1m distance labels and signs in store,” he added. “We thank our customers for their support as we all navigate this difficult time.”

Lucky Foodtown along with all other supermarkets in Samoa have been subject to reduce hours due to the national lockdown, effective Wednesday midnight.