Ralphs And Food 4 Less​ Implement Coronavirus Shopping Rules

LOS ANGELES, CA — Kroger, which operates Southland grocery chains such as Ralphs and Food 4 Less, announced new coronavirus protocols expected to make for long lines outside grocery stores Tuesday.

The chains will cut the store capacity in half to allow for social distancing to protect customers and staffers from the coronavirus. The stringent new capacity guidelines took effect Tuesday. In the meantime, company officials are considering additional measures such as one-way isles to spare shoppers from having to squeeze past one another while browsing.

In Los Angeles, the epicenter of the state's outbreak, Kroger Co. will reduce store capacity to 25 percent of the normal store capacity allowing for 150 square-feet per shopper. Elsewhere, capacity will be reduced by 50 percent, allowing for 120 square-feet per shopper.

"We are reducing the traffic in our stores to protect the safety of our associates, customers and community," Ralphs spokesman John Votava said.

Most grocery stores and other retailers that remain open during the pandemic have implemented capacity limits, forcing customers to wait in line -- six feet apart -- before entering to control the crowds inside.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.