Publix puts plexiglass on registers

Publix plans to install plexiglass at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies at every one of its grocery stores as concerns over coronavirus continue to grow.

The barriers will begin to be put up this weekend, and the work is expected to be complete for all stores within the next two weeks, spokeswoman Maria Brous said. Publix has more than 100 stores in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties.

The move follows the Lakeland-based grocery store giant announcing on Monday that an employee at a store in Cumming, Georgia, tested positive for the virus. A deep cleaning of that store took place. The Georgia Department of Public Health told Publix that customers were considered at low risk and products sold there were not a risk, according to a news release.

“Following our disinfection protocol and with the support of the public health department, the store is operating normal business hours,” Brous said in the release. “We are thinking of our associate and their family during this time and wishing them a swift recovery.”

Publix has also suspended its in-store demonstrations and sampling. The grocery stores are also now only open 8 a.m to 8 p.m. so employees have time to restock shelves and conduct additional sanitation. The stores will also open at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays just for seniors.

Asked if Publix was going to encourage social distancing in its stores, Brous responded with this statement: “As the COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are following the guidance of the CDC and continue to evaluate business practices and processes.”

Other retailers have implemented social distancing measures.

At the Target at Colonial Drive and Maguire Boulevard in Orlando, marks on the floor show customers where to stand.

“Please wait here until called forward,” a sign at the Target reads. “Thank you for practicing social distancing.”