Workers install Plexiglas shield at checkstand at Safeway in Lone Tree, Colorado, (Photo courtesy Safeway and Albertsons)
As part of the ongoing effort to protect employees and customers from spreading COVID-19, Safeway and Albertsons stores nationwide (over 2,200) are installing Plexiglas shields or "sneeze guards" at their stores. Stores throughout Colorado are included in the effort.
Installation should be complete by the end of March.
Videos below show workers installing one of the shields at Safeway in Lone Tree, Colorado and also what it looks like as employees serve customers at the same location.
Pictures of Plexiglas shields at Safeway in Lone Tree, Colorado. (All pictures courtesy Safeway and Albertsons)
This is the official release from Albertsons Companies, the parent company of Safeway and Albertsons.
Albertsons Companies installing Plexiglas at checkstands to help protect customers and employees
BOISE, Idaho, — March 20, 2020 – As an added precaution during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Albertsons Companies is installing Plexiglas in its checkout lanes as a protective barrier between customers and checkers. The Plexiglas “sneeze guards” will be installed in the company’s 2,200+ stores over the next two weeks, with many locations being complete in the next several days.
“We recognize that we provide an essential service to our communities,” said Vivek Sankaran, President & CEO. “We are doing everything we can to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable shopping space for our valued customers. This is an extra step to protect our associates who are in constant contact with the public and provide our customers with extra reassurance as well.”
In addition to the installation of Plexiglas, the stores have taken a number of precautions, including:
§Pausing self-service operations like soup bars, wing bars, and salad bars.
§Enhancing measures to clean and disinfect all departments, restrooms, and other high-touch points of the store throughout the day, as well as a deep cleanse at the end of each business day. Cart wipes and hand sanitizer stations continue to be available at key locations within the store for customers’ convenience.
§Asking associates to follow CDC guidelines, wash hands frequently, and stay home if they feel sick.
§Reserving special times for seniors and other vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated. The company is asking non-seniors and non-at-risk shoppers to avoid shopping at these times.
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About Albertsons Companies
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. We operate stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.
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