Park Slope Grocery Store Holds Coronavirus 'Seniors Only' Hour

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A Park Slope grocer is giving seniors vulnerable to the new coronavirus the run of its store.

Key Food held its first "seniors only" hours early Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

The hour might have been early, but the chance to walk down the Seventh Avenue store's aisles without fear of bumping into someone with COVID-19 proved too good to pass up.

"From what I heard there were still people inside," said one store employee, who didn't want to be named.

Older adults and those with preexisting conditions are especially vulnerable to the new coronavirus, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Ten city residents, and counting, have died since the outbreak began.

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Health fears for older adults prompted the Manhattan grocery store chain Morton Williams this to begin senior only hours from 7 to 8 a.m.

Key Food in Park Slope made their decision this week as well, according to social media. Since then, people have been spreading the word online, including on Patch.

The senior only hours will be Mondays through Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. They will last as long as COVID-19 affects daily life in New York City and Park Slope.

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