Grocery stores add ‘seniors’ hours; Fred Meyer and QFC agree to provide sick pay to workers with COVID-19

Grocery stores have been scrambling to increase sanitary processes while also dealing with an increase in customers. Some stores see more than 5,000 customers a day and business has been holiday-level brisk since the county, state and federal officials began limiting the number of people allowed to gather in public. Many grocery chains also announced this week that they are shortening hours and designating certain hours for elderly and at-risk shoppers. They are also recommending those shoppers use delivery and pickup services, if possible, to reduce their contact with crowds.