Giant Food To Limit Customers Inside Virginia, DC Stores

Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food is introducing two new policies to promote social distancing in its stores in response to the coronavirus crisis. The grocery chain, which operates locations in Virginia, DC, Maryland and Delaware, is limiting store capacity starting on Thursday, April 9 and making aisles one way.

Stores will set a customer count limit based on individual capacity. Occupancy will be limited to 20 percent of each store's capacity while factoring in shelving and display features.

One-way aisles went into effect on Tuesday, April 7. The aisles feature arrow markers designating the direction of traffic. Signage will also be displayed in stores to urge customers to keep six feet of distance from others.

"We are continuing to learn and adapt to the new ways of working during this challenging time and believe that these additional measures will allow us to further promote safe social distancing practices in our aisles to keep our customers and associates safe," said Ira Kress, interim president of Giant Food.

The grocery chain made other changes in recent weeks due to the public health crisis. Store workers are equipped with plastic face fields, disinfecting wipes, gloves and hand sanitizer. Stores installed plexiglass shields at cash registers, pharmacy counters and customer service desks. Delivery drivers are offering contactless delivery.

Giant Food also changed store hours to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., although 24-hour stores continue normal hours. Stores have designated 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. as shopping hours for seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems, who are at higher risk for severe illness from the new coronavirus. Hours on Easter (April 12) will be 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all stores, and pharmacies will be open at the regular time to 3 p.m.

Under Gov. Ralph Northam's executive order, essential businesses like grocery stores can operate normally but were asked to follow social distancing guidelines and other workplace recommendations.