Stop & Shop Limiting Number Of Customers In Stores In Coronavirus

NEW JERSEY — Customers of Stop & Shop across New Jersey will find tighter restrictions as the stores push to promote additional social distancing amid the ongoing outbreak of the new coronavirus.

The chain is instituting store capacity limits that will set a specific number of customers based on the square footage of the store. Additionally, stores will have one-way traffic in the grocery aisles to reinforce social distancing, the company said in a news release.

The change comes as Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Wednesday requiring stores to limit the number of customers in their buildings to 50 percent of their capacities. Murphy's order also requires all store employees to wear masks and gloves.

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The efforts aim to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which increased to 47,437 positive cases as of Wednesday across New Jersey, according to the state health department. There have been 1,504 people who have died from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

There will be signs on the doors stating the customer count limit in each store, and signs at each grocery aisle directing traffic.

The store chain also is taking other measures:

• Robust cleaning and sanitizing procedures at each store, including disinfecting high touchpoint areas throughout the day and closing all stores at 8 p.m. for additional cleaning and restocking.
• Providing associates with gloves, masks and hand sanitizer.
• Offering disinfecting wipes near the store entrance so customers can wipe down carriages, hand baskets, and ScanIt! devices before use.
• Installing clear plastic guards at registers for added protection.
• Whenever possible, opening only every other register lane to create further distancing between customers at checkout.
• Putting tape on the floors at each register so customers understand the six-foot distance they should keep from others.
• Providing special hours for customers 60+ every day to help reduce crowds and help ensure social distancing for those most vulnerable.
• Posting signs in the store that remind customers to stand at least six feet apart from others, plus other guidelines from the CDC like sneezing into your elbow and to enter the store if feeling sick.
• Modifying line queuing procedures at checkouts during busy periods to allow for proper social distancing.
• Utilizing in-store radio to reinforce social distancing messages.
• Closing deli counter service to help both customers and associates practice safe social distancing. Sliced meats and cheeses are available via our "Grab and Go" program and are sliced fresh daily.
• Suspending our self-service offerings including olive bars, wing bars, salad bars, hot bars, and coffee bars. This also includes pick-your-own bakery items like donuts and muffins as well as self-serve nuts and baking items. Pre-packaged options for all of these items are available in their place.
• Ceasing food sampling programs and all in-store events until further notice.

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