MD Coronavirus: Special Shopping Hours For Seniors At Stores

MARYLAND — Grocery stores across Maryland are setting aside special hours for shoppers who may be more vulnerable during the new coronavirus pandemic. In some cases, these at-risk customers will have an hour to shop without others in the store.

Those who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).*

These are the stores that have designated hours or special services for at-risk populations.

Know of other stores offering special hours for those at greater risk? Add them in the comments!

BJ's: Those age 60 and up can shop from 8 to 9 a.m. daily at any BJ's wholesale club.

Dollar General: The first hour the store is open will be designated for senior shoppers. Hours vary by location.

Giant: Those over 60 and with compromised immune systems can shop from 6 to 7 a.m. daily.

Green Valley Marketplace: Older adults and anyone with a compromised immune system can shop from 7 to 8 a.m. when store officials said exposure is minimal because this hour is dedicated specifically to these customers.

Ollie's: Seniors and those with compromised immune systems can shop from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday.

Redner's Warehouse Markets: The store is reserved for those age 60-plus and people with compromised immune systems or who are at a greater health risk from 6 to 7:30 a.m. daily. Redner's also asks people to refrain from bringing reusable bags into the store, as this can spread the virus.

Safeway: Seniors, pregnant women, at-risk populations and those with compromised immune systems can shop from 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Save A Lot: Many stores are dedicating the first hour of shopping to seniors. People should call their store to verify.

Target: Stores are reserving their first hour open every Wednesday for the most vulnerable, including people over 65 years old, pregnant and others defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as at-risk.

Trader Joe's: Seniors will have a separate line to get into the store for expedited entry from 9 to 10 a.m.

Walgreens: Stores will open from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays starting March 24 for seniors, their caregivers and family members of seniors. Those 55 and up will get the senior day discount on Tuesdays, which is 20 percent off regular-price national brands and 30 percent off regular-price Walgreens brands.

Walmart: Special senior shopping hours for those 60 and older will be offered from 6 to 7 a.m. Tuesdays from March 24 to April 28. Pharmacies and vision centers will be open.

Whole Foods: One hour before stores open to the public, those 6o and up will be able to shop.

Small Businesses In Maryland With Senior Shopping Services

Boarman's Old Fashioned Meat Market: Two to three hours are set aside each morning for those age 65 and up to shop. The store gives inventory updates on its Facebook page to help people plan. The store is at 13402 Clarksville Pike, Highland, MD 20777.

Greene's Family Butcher Shop: The store is offering delivery for older people in a 10-mile radius. Daily it provides updates on product availability, with a video tour through the store. The store is at 12037 Belair Rd., Kingsville, MD 21087.

Here is the latest guidance about who is at greatest risk from COVID-19, updated Sunday by the CDC:

• Ages 65 and older
• Nursing home or long-term care facility residents
• Those with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• Those with heart disease with complications
• The immunocompromised — including people undergoing cancer treatment, those who have had bone marrow or organ transplants, people with poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, or those who have used cortisteorids or other immune-weakening medications over a long period of time
• Anyone with severe obesity (body mass index greater than 40) or underlying medical conditions, especially if they are not controlled, such as diabetes, liver disease or renal failure

See Also:

• High-Risk Shoppers In HoCo Get Special Grocery Store Hours: Coronavirus
• Seniors, At-Risk Shoppers In MoCo Get Special Grocery Hours: Coronavirus