Grocery stores are taking steps to protect their employees. Some Valley stores are planning to install barriers to help protect employees and customers.
Kroger, the parent company of Arizona’s Fry’s Food Stores, reported that they will be installing plexiglass partitions at checkout counters over the next few weeks.
Kroger confirmed that Pharmacy counters and Starbucks registers at their stores will also be getting the partitions.
Plans are also in the words for installation of educational decals on floors to “promote physical distancing at check-out lanes and other counters.”
“Our associates are on the frontlines, ensuring our community have access to the food, services and products they need during this unprecedented pandemic. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our associates,” a Kroger spokesperson said in statement.
Albertsons and Safeway stores also have plans to add barriers in checkout lanes at thousands of their stores. Installation will take place over the next two weeks, to serve as protective barrier between customers and cashiers and provide added reassurance and peace of mind.
Beginning this week, Bashas’ will add shields to stores. The company says they have plans to start at the Bashas’ Diné Markets located on the Navajo Nation, which is experiencing stay-at-home orders while they fight to contain the virus.
According to a spokesperson from Sprouts the grocery chain also has plans for barriers.
Whole Foods announced it is in the process of adding “sneeze guards” to store registers.
