Costco Is Letting Healthcare Workers And First Responders Skip Lines To Get Into Their Stores
The news around the COVID-19 outbreak is constantly changing, but information about food safety and how to keep yourself healthy is crucial right now. Here is a comprehensive list on the foods you should be stocking up on during this period of social distancing, as well as information about your local grocery stores’ changing hours, an explanation of “no-contact delivery,” and a guide on how to help your community and its businesses throughout closures.
As the coronavirus outbreak spreads throughout the U.S., it has continued to touch almost every facet of our lives. Perhaps most noticeably, grocery stores have seen high volumes of shoppers looking to prepare for longer stints at home. The crowds, in addition to guidelines from state and local authorities, have prompted many stores to change their hours to make sure stores can be cleaned and restocked and employees can stay healthy.
Below, we've outlined some of the changes in store hours and policies. It's worth noting that this is a constantly changing situation, so we will update as much as we can, but your local store could be operating differently. It's always best to check before making a trip.
Finally, you should only be visiting the grocery store if you're feeling healthy and only if you truly need to. Don't hoard items and be sure to wash your hands often and wipe down carts and baskets.
Albertsons
The chain's stores, which include Alberstons, Safeway, Acme, and Vons, will implement hours for "vulnerable shoppers" every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m., unless otherwise locally mandated. This can vary by location. The store is also implementing social distancing policies. For a full list of stores and policies, click here.
Aldi
Aldi locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. but hours can vary by location. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, stores will open at 8:30 a.m. and reserve the first hour of business for vulnerable shoppers. The store will also limit the number of people inside stores to approximately five customers per 1,000 square feet.
BJ's
They will limit the number of members allowed inside clubs at one time and has implemented social distancing policies.
Costco
Costco has implemented limits on certain items and has "taken steps to control the number of members in our warehouses," as well as asking both members and employees to practice social distancing. Costco stores in the U.S. will close at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can find your local store's hours here.
Many Costco locations have also implemented designated hours for elderly shoppers and those with physical disabilities, according to signs posted online. The hours can vary by location so check with your local Costco to see what they're offering.
Costco is giving priority to healthcare workers and first responders. Those who present a Costco membership card and work ID will be allowed to move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse.
Costco announced it will also not allow more than two people to go into the store with each membership card.
Harris Teeter
The stores locations will operate 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is designating Monday and Thursday mornings from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. as senior shopping hours for shoppers 60 and over. The store is also temporarily suspending product returns. You can read more about their policies here.
Kroger
The chain has updated its store hours in some locations "based on local circumstances." You can see which stores are affected here. It is also limited how many "cold, flu and sanitary products" customers can get per order and implementing social distancing guidelines.
Publix
Stores will now close at 8 p.m. Select items will also be subject to purchase limits. The chain is also designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. for customers age 65 and over. The grocery chain has also launched contactless payment option at select stores, and customers can also pay through the Publix mobile app so they do not have to come in contact with commonly used surfaces like PIN pads.
Sam's Club
Sam's Club changed its hours to 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Sunday hours will remain the same, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The store has also implemented early shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems.
Target
Stores will begin to close at 9 p.m. and the first hour of shopping each Wednesday will be reserved for "vulnerable guests." You can read more about it here. The stores has also implemented social distancing measures.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's has set its hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store will also have an additional line outside the front door for senior customers every day between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. so they can get in and out more quickly. The stores has also implemented social distancing measures.
Whole Foods
The company will be adjusting its store hours and will service customers who are 60 and older one hour before opening to the general public. It is also implementing social distancing guidelines. You can read more about it here.
Walmart
Stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until further notice. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular opening hours. People 60 and over can also shop one hour before store opening every Tuesday. Stores have also placed limits on items like paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food. It is also implementing social distancing guidelines.
Wegmans
Store locations will see changes to their hours and the chain has also implemented two-item purchase limits on certain products. You can read more about it here.
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