DENVER, Colorado — Individuals who are at higher risk for complications from the COVID-19 virus will soon have a designated time in which they can shop at local stores.
For Safeway and Albertsons locations, the company's Denver office announced plans to reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 AM to 9 AM for senior citizen, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems and other at-risk customers to do their grocery shopping. The change will begin on Thursday March 19th at all Safeway and Albertsons locations in Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
"We are sensitive to the fact that everyone is anxious to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too," the statement reads.
The grocery chain is asking customers to reserve this shopping time for those most at risk in our communities.
"We thank our customers in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and friends, and in helping us maintain this temporary operations guideline," wrote Kris Staaf, Sr. Director of Public Affairs, Albertsons/Safeway Denver Division.
Another grocery store reserving hours for seniors is Kings Soopers.
Effective Friday, March 20, King Soopers will dedicate the first shopping hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 7 am - 8 am, exclusively to the shopping needs of senior citizens.
For all other customers, these temporary store hours will be 8 am - 8 pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 7am-8pm on all other days.
Other stores are also offering similar opportunities for at-risk customers and the elderly. Every Wednesday, Target announced it is offering the elderly and those with compromised immune systems the first hour of shopping. Dollar General is also offering the first hour of operation each day to be for senior citizens only. The company also announced that locations will begin closing an hour earlier to give employees a chance to clean and restock.
Whole Foods is offering the first hour of shopping to those over 60 years of age as well.
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