These grocery stores have special shopping hours for seniors because of coronavirus
As people prepare to shelter in place for the foreseeable future, stocking up on groceries is among the top priorities.
But that need for supplies is harder on older people and those with health issues that make them more vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Those people are told to avoid crowds — and grocery stores are pretty crowded right now.
To help that, some grocery chains have stepped up to make things a little safer for those people by instituting special hours for shopping.
We will update this list as we learn of more stores going this route.
[Coronavirus update: Target joins Harris Teeter, Walmart and other stores in reducing hours]
Target: Target will devote the first shopping hour of each Wednesday to seniors and those with health issues that put them at a greater risk. Target store hours vary location to location, so check with your store for current store hours (many stores are operating with reduced hours now). That first hour on Wednesday is the time to go.
Walmart: Starting March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will devote one hour prior to the store opening each Tuesday to senior shoppers (60 and older). Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time. Current new Walmart hours are 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. nationwide, so seniors would shop at 6 a.m.
Whole Foods: Whole Foods is setting aside the hour before they open each day to senior shoppers (ages 60 and up) in all stores in the U.S. and Canada. (In the U.K., this applies to shoppers 70 and up.) Keep in mind that the store hours are different now, so check with your closest Whole Foods to see when they open.
Dollar General: Dollar General is “strongly suggesting” that the first shopping hour of each day be devoted to senior customers, and they’re asking other shoppers to plan their shopping to avoid that time.
Fresh Market: The Greensboro-based chain is devoting the first shopping hour each day to seniors “and other individuals most at risk (those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes).” The new store hours are (as of March 19) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., so the store is asking those who are not in those categories to wait until 9 a.m. to shop.
Carlie C’s IGA: The Dunn-based chain has announced a special senior (age 60 and up) shopping hour each Sunday from 7-8 a.m. Like most larger chains, the store also overs online shopping with curbside or home delivery. Visit their website to see store locations.
Publix: Publix is designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors 65 and over.
Costco: The membership club announced on Facebook that starting March 24, the store will open early on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-9 a.m., for members who are 60 and older.
Lowes Foods: Lowes Foods is dedicating 7 to 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday as shopping hours for seniors and others who are vulnerable to the virus. Those who are not at risk are being asked to shop at Lowes Foods after 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays or other days of the week. The special shopping hours are in place until further notice. (This has been updated to reflect a correction of days from Lowes Foods.)
Food Lion: Customers 60 and over and those who are immunocompromised can shop from 7 to 8 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, starting Monday, March 30.
Harris Teeter: Customers 60 and over have special shopping hours from 6 to 7 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. The store also offers ExpressLane Online Shopping pick-up times reserved for seniors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. They also offer no fee and $5 delivery option for seniors. More info here: https://bit.ly/2WDs6WZ
Sam’s Club: Sam’s offers early shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. This includes pharmacy and optical centers and will last until further notice.
Aldi: Special shopping hours for seniors 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
This story will be updated.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 12:07 PM.
