Area grocery stores have increased health and safety measures for employees to help slow the spread of COVID-19. From markers on the floor that signify appropriate social distancing to store hours designated for vulnerable populations, here’s how local stores are adjusting their operations:
Aldi:
- On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the chain’s 20 locations open their doors at 8:30 a.m. for senior citizens, expectant mothers and individuals with health concerns.
- ALDI CEO Jason Hart wrote in a release that the stores are “working diligently to keep our shelves stocked” and “intensifying cleaning practices.” He added that the store will focus on stocking in-demand products, including water, pre-made meals and cleaning supplies.
Whole Foods:
- To ensure the care of team members, Whole Foods says it has implemented unlimited call-offs for work shifts, given an additional $2/hour to part- and full-time employees,doubled overtime pay, and created shopping hours specifically for employees. It has also increased funds available through its Team Member Emergency Fund.
- Stores are closing two hours earlier than normal so team members can restock shelves and sanitize.
- Samples have been suspended and hot bars, salad bars and self-serve counters are closed.
- The purchase of high-demand items has been limited for customers.
- Store hours have been changed to 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and an additional check-out line has been created for senior customers from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- Cleaning has been increased and food and beverage samples have been suspended.
Giant Eagle:
- Plexiglass dividers are being installed at area stores and GetGo locations.
- Visual markers indicating appropriate social distances have been installed on floors.
- Guests are asked not to bring reusable bags and the Fuelperks+ program promotion that gave perks per reusable bag has been suspended.
- High-demand products will be limited.
- Guests 60 and older, differently-abled, and immune-compromised can shop before other customers, beginning at 6 a.m.
Kuhn’s Quality Foods:
- According to its Facebook page, the stores will adjust hours and ask customers to check its website for more information.
Walmart:
- Stores have changed their hours to 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. to make sure associates can clean shelves and stock products. The chain also promised to keep “stores stocked and prices fair” and says it won’t engage in price gouging.
- Employees who wish to call off must use regular paid time off options. If an employee’s store is within a mandated quarantine area, Walmart will provide up to two weeks of pay and it will not count toward attendance.
- Regular eligibility for the Walmart Associates in Critical Need Trust have been temporarily waived for employees who have worked at the store for one year.
- All international travel has been restricted for employees.
Save A Lot:
- A “two carts apart” recommendation has been implemented for customers.
- Cleaning efforts have increased throughout the chain’s handful of Pittsburgh locations.
- Hours have been reduced so employees can clean and restock. Several stores have implemented senior and immune-compromised shopping hours.
Dollar Tree/Family Dollar:
- The stores have increased cleaning measures and stocking of cleaners, paper products and over-the-counter health care items.
- Associates will receive two weeks of paid time off without having to use sick time or their own benefits if they are quarantined.
Dollar General:
- Seniors and at-risk customers will be prioritized during the stores’ first hour of operation.
- Stores will close an hour early so employees can clean and restock.
- Paper products, hand sanitizer and wipes will be limited to three per customer.
- Employees who become sick or must care for a sick family member or partner will be paid for regularly-scheduled hours.
- All domestic and international travel has been suspended.
Costco:
- Stores have increased sanitization of surfaces, including shopping cart handles, shelves, front-end belts and registers.
- Limits have been implemented on high-demand products.
- Special operating hours have been created for shoppers age 60 and older.
