GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grocery stores are one of the few places that people are still able to go to during a statewide stay at home order. But Meijer is making more changes to try to limit the spread of COVID-19, including managing the number of people who are in stores.
The Midwest grocery store chain announced Saturday they are asking customers to limit the number shoppers per trip. Meijer said they understand that some customers may need additional assistance, but they still want people to limit the number of shoppers who come to the store as much as possible.
Additionally, Meijer will begin monitoring the number of customers who are in stores. "This includes managing the number of customers shopping to support proper social distancing practices," a statement said.
Other grocery stores have implemented policies to limit the number of customers to ensure social distancing. Walmart said it will allow no more than five customers for every 1,000 square feet at a given time, roughly 20% of a store’s capacity. Similar to Meijer, Costco said it will only be allowing two people in the store per membership card.
Meijer announced a few more changes, including:
- Conducting daily health screenings and temperature checks of employees
- Installing protective shields at all check lanes and pharmacies at all 248 stores
- Adding signs and broadcasts inside the store about proper social distancing
- Suspending weekly sales ad starting April 12 to decrease the customer count in the store
The grocery store chain has already taken several steps to protect people from coronavirus, including suspending customer use of reusable bags, halting can and bottle returns, removing Sandy the Pony and placing signage on the floor for customers in line to stand six feet apart. Meijer is also no longer open 24 hours a day to give time for deeper cleaning and restocking. They also introduced shopping hours for vulnerable populations.
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STATE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COVID-19
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
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