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Markets open early for senior shoppers
Markets open early for senior shoppers
SEATTLE -- Albertsons and Safeway announced Tuesday that stores will offer special hours, in response to the coronavirus outbreak, for senior citizens and others with vulnerable immune systems.
The grocery company said it would reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. for vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to go grocery shopping.
Albertsons said local store hours were in the process of being updated on its website.
Whole Foods also said Tuesday that it would start offering special hours. Starting Wednesday, March 18, Whole Foods stores will start serving customers who are 60 and older an hour before opening to the public.
Officials: There's no need to hoard food and supplies
Coronavirus fears have led people all over the world to buy lots of hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other products, and to clear store shelves of produce, fresh meat and anything else they might need.
President Trump had a conference call with grocery store and supply chain executives over the weekend and has urged Americans not to stockpile food and other goods.
"Supply chains in the United States are strong, and it is unnecessary for the American public to hoard daily essentials," according to a statement from White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere.
Wire services contributed to this story.