Grocery stores taking precautions to keep customers and employees safe

Grocery stores taking precautions to keep customers and employees safe

Here at home.

The governor...and county leaders continue to plead with people to practice social distancing and staying home.

And if you do have to go out to follow the guidelines.

That is never more essential then when you shop for much needed groceries.... news channel 2's caitlin irla tells us about the safety precautions many grocery stores are taking.

One the most essential businesses still in operation is a grocery, which can sometimes be packed full of people in tight spaces.

But some grocery stores are taking extra steps to protect their customers and their employees.

"its certainly been top of mind for us always in the business we do, food safety, associate and customer safety.

Its absolutely top of mind and that's been amplified even more."

All hannaford stores are strongly encouraging social distancing in a few different ways.

"the signage is talking to our customers and associates encouraging 6- foot rule as they shop and as they work."

"we've gone through some work to actually put lines on the floor decals to identify the 6-foot barrier to encourage people to respect that and each other's personal space."

"plexiglass protection areas between cashiers and customers.

Both appreciate."

Other stores are taking similar steps.

Tops has also installed plexiglas shields and all workers are provided with protective face shields.

Chanantrys has set up floor markers to make sure people are staying 6-feet away from each other.

All grocery stores have increased their cleaning and sanitation procedures.

"we are sanitizing touch points handles on coolers, belts groceries go down, pin pads."

Several grocery stores have dedicated specific store hours for seniors and immunocompromised shoppers to help protect those most at risk.

And there are things you can do to help with social distancing.

"when you come shopping and when its possible if we could have one member of the family shop at a time if possible.

Limit people in area increase social distance."

.

None standup -"while grocery stores are doing the best they can to protect you while you're shopping, it's important to remember to protect yourself once you get home.

Experts suggest you wipe down your counters completely before bringing in your groceries... and wipe down your items before you put them away.

Caitlin irla news channel 2.

>