Speaking outside of Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Tuesday, where he is staying in self-isolation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the state of emergency just-declared in Ontario, while thanking all frontline healthcare workers in Canada for their efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a state of emergency for Canada’s most populous province, banning gatherings of more than 50 people and allowing the government to shutdown businesses.
IKEA Canada announced on Wednesday it will be temporarily closing all store locations nationwide as a “precautionary measure due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19.
“Our top priority during these challenging times continues to be health and safety,” Michael Ward, CEO of IKEA Canada said in a statement. “Our communities are working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to support these efforts, we will temporarily close all stores across the country to support social distancing efforts and based on recommendations from local health authorities.”
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company said their online store will remain open, and will offer home delivery service and store Click & Collect pick-up between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
IKEA said it will also extend all current commercial offers until April 3.
The retailers said it is “committed to supporting its 7,300 co-workers in the best possible way during closure.”
“IKEA will continue to support co-workers through it’s comprehensive benefits package and paid leave policy,” the release reads.
