The Canby Kiwanis Thrift Store is closed after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus, the nonprofit reported on social media Saturday.
Later that day, another local business, Baker’s Prairie Bakery, closed until further notice due to an employee’s possible exposure to Covid-19.
The diagnosis at Canby Kiwanis came despite the store’s “best efforts,” the Facebook post said. The thrift store on Highway 99E has been following strict infection prevention protocols for retail stores — including social distancing and wearing masks — since reopening from the initial shutdown seven months ago.
“Despite the outstanding efforts of staff throughout the pandemic, one of our valued employees of Canby Kiwanis Thrift Store tested positive for COVID this week,” Kiwanis Foundation President Luana Hill said in an email to club members Saturday, which was obtained by The Canby Current.
“The last day the employee worked was Wednesday. At this time, no other employees report symptoms, and all were eager to keep the store open.”
After reviewing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Oregon Health Authority, club leadership believe it would be permitted to remain open, despite the employee positive.
“But out of an abundance of caution and consideration for the health and safety of our community and staff, we have decided to close temporarily as we continue to assess the situation,” Hill wrote. “This could be for just a few days, but it could be until Monday, January 18.”
Store management and club leaders are now seeking testing capacity for their staff and asking employees to quarantine at home. They will be paid for their normally scheduled hours on each day they would have worked while the store is closed.
Started by local club members over 70 years ago, the thrift store is a source of pride for the civic organization and helps fund many of its charitable endeavors and outreach efforts, including the Canby Community Food & Toy Drive and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to local children each month.
