Fresno area grocery stores holding special hours for seniors, making other changes
Going to the grocery store has suddenly become the most important event of the week for many of us as the threat of coronavirus grows.
If dealing with lots of people and empty shelves feels a bit daunting, you’re not alone.
That’s why many grocery stores have started offering “senior hours” for senior citizens, people with mobility issues and others who are vulnerable to COVID-19. Many are also changing up their hours to deal with restocking and cleaning.
Senior hours
Several grocery stores are setting aside hours just for senior citizens before they open to the general public. Older customers are hit harder by COVID-19.
The Market, the locally owned grocery store at West and Herndon avenues, has lots of older customers and wanted to decrease the chances they catch the virus, noted president Joe Pressutti.
“We are just trying to do the right thing for the community and those people who are the most vulnerable,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we give them time to get things in the morning with as little contact as they could possibly get.”
The Market, at 7088 N. West Ave., will open for shoppers aged 60 and up only from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily starting Thursday.
Big Lots is reserving its first hour of shopping, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., for seniors citizens and others most vulnerable to COVID-19. The retailer is also doing curbside pickup outside the store for customers who order online and choose the pick up in store option.
Dollar General is dedicating the first hour of business to senior citizens. Hours vary by store, with most opening at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. There are seven stores in Fresno and Clovis. Call your closest store for exact hours.
Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores in the area are setting aside 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for seniors and vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems to shop.
State Foods Supermarkets is setting aside the 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. hour daily for for senior citizens, pregnant women, and shoppers requiring assistance. They will have extra workers available to help during that time. State Foods has locations in Sanger, Parlier, Madera, Avenal, Firebaugh, Riverdale, Woodlake, Chowchilla and Dos Palos.
Vallarta Supermarkets are opening from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. daily for people age 65 and over, pregnant women and people with disabilities. Vallarta has three locations in Fresno: at Butler and Chestnut avenues, Cedar and Dakota avenues, and Weber and Clinton avenues. Visalia also has a store on Dinuba Boulevard near Riggin Avenue.
Vons stores are reserving the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors every Tuesday and Thursday.
Target is devoting the first hour of shopping every Wednesday to vulnerable guests like the elderly and people with other health issues. For most stores, that’s between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Walmart stores are setting aside an hour before the stores officially open just for people age 60 and up to shop every Tuesday. Most stores open at 7 a.m., so seniors can shop starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays. Pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during that time.
Whole Foods is opening at 8:15 a.m. daily for customers age 60 and up. It opens to the general public at 9 a.m. Have your ID ready.
Other changes
Expect things to be a little different when you go to the grocery store.
Because stores have been so busy, they need more time to restock and clean. That means many stores are shortening their hours.
It varies by store, but many are closing an hour early. Target, for example, is now closing all stores at 9 p.m.
You also won’t find salad bars or self-serve options at places like The Market and Whole Foods. The stores are selling prepared foods like salads, soups and olives already in packages.
One thing all grocers agree on: Don’t overbuy.
There is no shortage of items because of production issues at food manufacturers or factories.
“The panic buying and the hoarding buying that’s occurring right now is what’s disrupting the supply chain,” Pressutti said.
Suppliers are working to fill shelves and grocery stores are expected to stay open, even if restrictions increase as coronavirus spreads, he said.
Buying too much means that people who are sick or at risk of contacting COVID-19 may not have access to essentials like toilet paper.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The World Health Organization has officially declared the spread the novel coronavirus as a pandemic, and the virus is spreading in the United States, particularly on the West Coast.
Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease including social distancing.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children. But, this outbreak is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel virus that has spawned a new disease called COVID-19. This infection can cause a particularly harsh respiratory condition and can lead to death in older individuals and those with underlying health problems.
The CDC believes the COVID-19 virus spreads among humans by person-to-person contact, including via cough and sneezing. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people. Social distancing of 6ft is recommended for everyone.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Corona means crown, and the virus has little spikes that help it attach to your respiratory system. Symptoms are similar to the flu and include congestion, coughing, shortness of breath and a runny nose. But, it can worsen causing pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome and death.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
How does it spread?
We’re still learning about this infection. Things are changing constantly. The spread seems to be from bigger droplets, coughing, sneezing on your hands and then touching your eyes, your nose or mouth. The influenza virus can last on surfaces for 24 hours. For this virus, we are still learning how long it can last but it may be as long as 48 to 72 hours.
And what you can do to help stop the spread:
Practice social distancing, and definitely stay home if you’re ill. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
Taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For more on how it spreads, watch this video.
Note: No public health agency has recommended that the general public wear masks to stave off infection. Here are more public health recommendations:
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you really can’t get to soap and water, then use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Can’t wash your hands right away? Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as these are areas where the pathogens can invade your body.
- Practice cough hygiene with covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, either using a disposable tissue or into your clothed elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash right away.
- If you are sick, stay at home. If you develop respiratory symptoms contact your doctor for advise and to determine if you need to go for care or viral testing. Call ahead before seeing medical care at a doctor’s office, clinic or emergency department, as they’ll need to separate you to help protect others.
- ChrisAnna Mink, Modesto Bee, and McClatchy staff
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 12:59 PM.
