Publix expands store hours, eliminates designated shopping hours for seniors and first responders

Publix is expanding its store hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Saturday, the grocery store chain announced Thursday.

Designated shopping hours for customers older than 65, first responders and health care workers will be discontinued, the company said. Those who prefer to shop when the store is less crowded are encouraged to visit during the 7 a.m. hour.

Staff will conduct additional cleaning and preventative sanitation before and after store hours, including sanitizing high-touch surfaces.

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Employees will be required to wear face coverings and allowing associates to wear disposable, non-latex gloves. The store will also encourage social distancing using signs, will implement one-way shopping aisles and make regular intercom announcements.

Plexiglass shields will be put in place at all registers, pharmacies and customer service counters.

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Publix is also promoting contactless pay. Store managers may limit the number of customers inside stores.

The pharmacy will return to normal operating hours, the company said.

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