A majority of MCC thrift shops in Manitoba have suspended their operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The organization's website states the health and safety of shoppers, volunteers and staff are of primary concern.

Manitoba MCC Executive Director Darryl Loewen also points out that most of the thrift shop volunteers are seniors who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19.

"Manitoba MCC thrift shops have 1,800 or more volunteers and a great many of them are seniors. They are our chief priority. We want to take care of the health safety of shoppers and staff and certainly of our many volunteers."

Loewen says local thrift shop boards, over the past number of days, have been making the tough decision to close their doors while a few have decided to remain open with limited hours. By following the direction of health experts on these matters, Loewen is hopeful the stores will be able to re-open sooner than later.

"Hopefully by being part of the nation-wide attempt to flatten the curve when it comes to slowing the rate of increase of the virus, maybe will be able to return to more normal circumstances in the shorter order of time so that folks can continue to shop at our stores for good, affordable products."

Here in the Pembina Valley region, the temporary closures include thrift shops in Altona, Winkler, and Morris.