Many grocery stores are now operating under limited hours to help employees and provide more time to stock and sanitize the stores amid concerns of novel coronavirus. Christina Gayman director of public relations with Hy-Vee says grocers are working to keep their shelves stocked, “We are obviously seeing the same in-demand items that other retailers are seeing, so hand sanitizer, toilet paper, water, hand soap. All of those things are applying at Hy-Vee as well, but while customers may see limited quantities available on certain items due to the increased demand we are working closely with our suppliers to make sure we have enough supplies on hand to meet our shoppers’ needs. And we are receiving daily, or almost daily, shipments at all stores.”

She explains the reduced hours aims to help employees and shoppers, “Those shortened hours are going to allow our employees additional time to clean and sanitize all areas of the store, as well as restock items. This will also allow our employees more time to care for their families and loved ones. So, obviously we appreciate everyone’s understanding and know that this is for the benefit of our customers and our employees. And is for a temporary amount of time, right, and we will be sure to let everyone know once those hours go back to more normal timeframes.” Companywide Hy-vee stores are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice, and from 7-8 a.m. they will be open for people 60 and older, expectant mothers, and anyone with underlying health conditions that makes them more susceptible to serious illness.

Fareway stores are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday with the first hour open to those 65 and older or people with increased susceptibility to serious illness and expecting mothers. This is until further notice. Walmart stores are also under reduced hours, and in Washington it is open 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Dollar General stores are closing one hour earlier than normal, and the first hour of the day from 8-9 a.m. is dedicated to senior customers. JW’s Foods in Kalona is partnering with local churches to offer free delivery of groceries.

Many stores have online platforms for grocery orders with either delivery or curbside pickup options, which helps reduce contact with others at a time when social distancing is encouraged.

Updated 7:57 a.m. 3/19.