SPOKANE, Wash. — Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and QFC are some of the stores across Washington that are reserving store hours for some shopper that are more at-risk of getting coronavirus.
Fred Meyer and QFC announced Senior Hours for all stores on Saturday. Starting Monday, March 23, both companies will reserve the hours of 7am to 8am for respective customers on specific days. All stores will reserve these hours each Monday through Thursday until further notice. On those days, shopping for all other customers will begin at 8am.
According to a press release from the company, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems can shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
They ask customers to honor the reserved hours to help those most vulnerable get the groceries they need.
Target is also offering hours for its vulnerable customers. The hours of 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Wednesdays have been reserved for older adults along with people who have compromised immune systems. Target will also start closing at 9 p.m. starting Wednesday to allow staff more time to clean.
On Wednesday, Rosaurers offered similar hours to Safeway and Albertsons.
"We have set aside Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7am – 9am to address the shopping needs of our most vulnerable populations”, said Jeff Philipps, President and CEO of Rosauers in a press release.
The hours begin March 19 at all Rosaurers, Super 1 Foods and Huckleberry's locations.
On Monday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced an emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down bars and restaurants and further limit the size of gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.
Restaurants will be allowed to have take-out and delivery services, but no in-person dining.
The ban applies to restaurants, bars, dance halls, clubs, theaters, health and fitness clubs, and other similar indoor social or recreational venues must cease operations until March 31. Other activities prohibited are salons, tattoo parlors and youth sports.
The ban doesn't apply to grocery stores or pharmacies.
Health officials have recommended that people over the age of 60 self-quarantine.