Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Following the announcement on Thursday, March 19, that the State of Florida had seen eight deaths and over 300 cases of coronavirus, Winn-Dixie released a statement regarding new store hours.
Beginning on Thursday, Winn-Dixie grocery stores and pharmacies began reserving the stores' first open hour, from 8-9 a.m., for senior shoppers and those who are the most at-risk of contracting COVID-19.
This special shopping hour will only be reserved Monday through Friday.
Outside of that special shopping hour, Winn-Dixie's hours of operation will mostly remain the same.
In Monticello, shoppers will still be able to shop at the Winn-Dixie grocery store and pharmacy until 8 p.m.
In addition to this special shopping hour, Winn-Dixie is asking its patrons to remember the thoughtful shopping habits that will protect their community from the spread of Coronavirus:
• Limit your purchases. Only buy what you and your family need at the moment. While stockpiling groceries, medicines and cleaning supplies may be comforting, it creates demand shortages for other shoppers. Truck routes are still delivering food and supplies to stores, so there is no need to stockpile items.
• Keep a safe distance from other shoppers. The CDC recommends a six-foot distance between yourself and others, but the greater the distance the better. Don't try to crowd in line at the registers. Remember that keeping your distance and being aware of other people can prevent the spread of coronavirus.
• Don't buy WIC items. For families who purchase groceries with funds provided by The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), they are limited in what items they are allowed to purchase. If an item does not have a WIC seal, they are not allowed to purchase it. For shoppers who do not participate in the WIC program, leaving WIC-groceries on the shelves help ensure that everyone in our community is able to purchase groceries.
• Be kind! Many people are stressed, concerned and a little frightened at the moment. Kindness and a smile can go a long way.