State College stores set hours for seniors to shop to help prevent coronavirus spread
Some grocery stores have shortened their hours to ensure clean and stocked shelves, but two chains with stores in Centre County have reserved time for senior citizens to shop before opening their doors to the public.
Starting Thursday, Giant will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow more time for employees to sanitize, unload shipments and stock shelves. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus to older adults, those who are 60 and older are welcome to shop from 6-7 a.m. daily at all Giant locations.
“This will allow customers in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which enables social distancing,” The Giant Co. said in a statement. “They’ll also be shopping prior to any customers entering.”
Older adults are among those at higher risk of serious illness from the coronavirus, called COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Staff members will not ask customers for an ID, but Giant asks customers to respect the purpose of opening early.
Giant has set a limit of two on some “key” products in stores, including paper goods and disinfectant products.
Target announced its hours will be reduced to 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily to restock and clean store items. The first hour of shopping each Wednesday will be reserved for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
“In addition to these changes, we’re fast tracking the flow of products that are in highest demand, including food, medicine and other essentials,” reads a statement on Target’s website. “We’ll continue to maintain limitations on in-demand items and respectfully ask all guests to consider their immediate needs and purchase accordingly, so more families can find products they need.”
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 10:44 AM.
