Checkers South Africa responds to claims of alleged non-compliance with COVID-19 essential services regulations

Retail chain store, Checkers South Africa, has addressed claims of its alleged price hikes and failure to comply with the coronavirus hygiene requirements, per the World Health Organisation (WHO).

South African consumers took to social media from Wednesday, 25 March 2020, prior to the commencement of the 21-day national lockdown, to address their concerns with Checkers South Africa. Customers claimed to have witnessed staff members interacting with customers without using face masks or gloves, increasing the risk of transmitting the coronavirus from one customer to the next.

Checkers was quick to defend its practices, stating, “The World Health organisation advises that masks be worn by people who are caring for sick people, or those who have symptoms. The mask is not an effective barrier to stop you from getting infected and may retain germs that cause illness.” Checkers went on to explain that its staff members have been trained to uphold high hygiene practices throughout their shifts, and have been doing so prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

On Friday, 27 March 2020, accusations were, once again, made against the chain store, for allegedly taking advantage of the panic buying trend and increasing the price of essential goods. Checkers took to Twitter to respond to the claims, stating, “We have made a commitment that we will not take advantage of the current increase in demand for products by increasing prices.” Checkers further stipulated that the change in prices was due to the end of a promotional cycle and coincidently fell within the panic buying rush.

See the posts below.

1/2 Hi there, the World Health organisation advises that masks be worn by people who are caring for sick people or those who have symptoms. The mask is not an effective barrier to stop you from getting infected and may retain germs that cause illness.

— Checkers (@CheckersSA) March 25, 2020

2/2The use of gloves doesn't promote good hygiene practices & can become a carrier for germs. Staff are trained to ensure excellent personal hygiene & product handling practices & have been doing so since before the Coronavirus outbreak. We will follow up about the hand sanitizer

— Checkers (@CheckersSA) March 25, 2020

1/2 Hi Pamela, we have made a commitment that we will not take advantage of the current increase in demand for products by increasing prices. You may see our employees change the shelf prices if a promotional cycle comes to an end and prices revert back to the normal.

— Checkers (@CheckersSA) March 27, 2020

2/2 We continue to act in the best interest of our consumers and are working hard to secure additional stock at affordable prices in order to meet the increased demand.

— Checkers (@CheckersSA) March 27, 2020

Sayushka Naidoo
[email protected].za