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Grocery stores are continuing to cut back hours and some are adding designated shopping times for those most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Starting Wednesday, Publix said stores company-wide will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Publix had already cut evening hours and is now opening an hour later. Target will close all of its locations by 9 p.m., something Winn-Dixie began on Monday. Each company said scaling back the hours will give employees more time to clean, sanitize and restock.
Aldi and Trader Joe’s began limited daily hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the start of this week. Aldi said those hours can vary locally depending on each location’s stocking and sanitation needs.
Target is also designating a shopping period for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions the first hour stores are open every Wednesday. Tampa Bay Target stores open at 8 a.m. The Fresh Market says its stores will cater to those most vulnerable to coronavirus every week day from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has encouraged seniors to avoid crowds and stay distant from people when they do go out.
Target has also closed its in-store Starbucks, Pizza Huts and other prepared food services. Winn-Dixie has done the same with its self-service buffets.
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