Grocery Stores Shift Hours For Senior Shoppers During Outbreak

SEATTLE, WA — Whole Foods, Albertsons and Safeway are among the latest major grocery chains to implement special hours for those most at-risk during the growing outbreak of the new coronavirus.

Target announced a similar plan for its stores, set to begin Wednesday morning.

Whole Foods

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, all Whole Foods locations will open one hour early for shoppers aged 60 and above.

"We are setting aside this time to help these customers, who national health authorities have identified as among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, feel more comfortable shopping our stores and helping to ensure they are able to get the items they need in a less crowded environment," the company wrote in a news release.

Each Whole Foods location will also close up to two hours early each day to provide staff additional time to restock shelves and fully sanitize stores for the next day. Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, will continue to fulfill Prime delivery orders and remain open for pickup during that time.

Related: Coronavirus Study: How Many Adults Are At Higher Risk In WA

Albertsons and Safeway

Albertsons, which operates several chains including Safeway, Vons and Haggen, will set aside two hours every Tuesday and Thursday specifically for senior shoppers, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Shoppers who belong to one of those groups are invited to stores on both days, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

"We are sensitive to the fact that everyone is anxious to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too," the company wrote. "We thank our customers in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and friends, and in helping us maintain this temporary operations guideline."

Find specific store hours near you on the Albertsons, Safeway and Whole Foods websites.

Related: Coronavirus Cases Cross 1,000 In Washington; 55 Dead