Grocery stores increase restrictions amid COVID-19 outbreak

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Grocery stores across the U.S. with locations in Mid-Missouri are implementing stricter guidelines to further promote social distancing efforts.

In a statement released yesterday, Wal-Mart said its stores will only use one entrance starting Saturday. These efforts will help workers monitor the number of people coming into the store.

Hy-Vee is also making changes. In the near future, the chain will install temporary window panels at cash registers, establish one-way traffic in aisles to encourage social distancing and strictly enforce a one-person-per-cart rule to stop multiple members of one family from shopping together.

Target's latest measures will go into effect Saturday as well. These include limiting the number of people based on square footage of its stores. The chain said it will also be providing masks and gloves for team members on the front line.

Many chains are also running on modified hours, listed below according to their websites:

• Target: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Hy-Vee: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Walmart: 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.