As Saskatchewan reported its first case of the novel coronavirus — followed by a second and a third — Daniel Hailemrim watched the news closely, trying to figure out how he would be impacted as an employee of one of Regina’s busiest grocery stores. “I remember, when it started, COVID-19 … food was empty,” says Hailemrim, 38, recalling the panic-buying residents did back in March at the Golden Mile Real Canadian Superstore, where he’s grateful for his job in the produce section.
Hailemrim and his wife arrived in Regina in January 2019 from Eritrea. Tigrinya is his first language but he’s learning more English every day with the help of a local organization.