Skip to content

How Bradford grocery stores are keeping customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic (14 photos)

Shoppers are asked to be respectful, and patient

Grocery stores have been deemed ‘essential’, which means that their workers have joined the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.

Armed with bottles of sanitizer, and personal protective equipment ranging from masks to plexiglass shields at the register, grocery store workers have made it possible for the stores to stay open, and residents to access food and supplies.

Every grocery store has taken a slightly different approach to dealing with the COVID-19 threat, and keeping both customers and staff safe.

Everywhere there are notices asking shoppers to practice ‘Social Distancing’ or, as it is called now, ‘Physical Distancing’ – standing at least two metres apart.

There are reminders that, if experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, muscle ache, difficulty breathing), residents should not come into the store – but should stay home, self-isolate, and use an on-line assessment tool to determine if they need to be tested or treated.

Some stores have set up hand-sanitizing stations. Most have special hours for seniors, those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19, and people with disabilities. Other shoppers are asked to stay away at those hours, to reduce the risk of infection for the vulnerable.

And all stores are asking for patience. There will be shortages of some products from time to time. There may be line-ups. And no returns are being accepted.

Here’s a summary of what to expect in Bradford – although it may change, from day to day.

Food Basics, 565 Langford Blvd. Food Basics has set up plexiglass screens for cashiers, and placed stickers on the floor to encourage social distancing. The store is open to all shoppers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the store is open early from 7 to 8 a.m. for Seniors and vulnerable residents only, 7 days a week. No ordering online for pick-up is available.

Reali’s No Frills, 305 Barrie St. Hours have changed. The store is now open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week. Seniors-only shopping, and shopping reserved for vulnerable people, takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. After a few initial glitches, the store now has plexiglass screens installed at the registers, cashiers are equipped with gloves and cleaning supplies, and there are free plastic bags to reduce potential for germ transmission. New stickers on the floor indicate where shoppers should stand, for social distancing. 

Sobeys, 40 Melbourne Dr. Open for Seniors and those requiring special assistance from 7 to 8 a.m. daily. “We’re not turning away others, but we ask that shoppers respect that,” said Julia Garrocho, on duty at the door to sanitize cart handles, and remind shoppers to practice physical distancing. “We’re always cleaning,” she said. No online orders for pick-up or delivery at this store. “We’re not big enough,” said Garrocho. Residents who bring bags from home are asked to pack them themselves.

Walmart Supercentre, 545 Holland St. W. The store has set up barricades to encourage shoppers to enter one at a time, while practicing social distancing. Shoppers are greeted by a sanitizing station. Store is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; Senior Hour for seniors and vulnerable citizens is from 7 to 8 a.m., Monday to Friday only. There is no delivery, but shoppers can order groceries online for pick-up the next day. The recommendation: Order early for next-day pick-up; not all items ordered may be available. Household items from the rest of the store – including clothing and cleaning supplies – can be ordered for delivery. Just a note: the in-store McDonald’s restaurant is closed at this time.

Zehrs Market, 500 Holland St. W. Most lanes take credit or debit only, limiting cash transactions to Customer Service, and perhaps one other cashier. No cash back will be available at this time. Plexiglass screens are in place at all cashiers, and staff are being encouraged to practice handwashing and hand-sanitizing frequently. The store is open to all shoppers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; the hour from 7 to 8 a.m. is reserved for Seniors and vulnerable persons only, every day. Shoppers can place an order on-line, to be picked up – free of charge, at this time during the pandemic. Cashiers will not assist in packing bags brought from home, but will provide and pack plastic bags at no charge. The store has set up a single entrance and single exit, to reduce customer interactions.

Signs are posted everywhere, but Food Basics has one sign that outlines the new etiquette of grocery shopping:

  • Identify one person in the family who will do the shopping, and limit the number of trips they make to the store.
  • Practice social distancing.
  • Limit what you touch in the store.
  • Respect any product limits per customer that may be posted.  
  • Pay with debit or credit, not cash, whenever possible.
  • Wash hands before and after shopping, and don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Be patient and courteous.

 


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
Read more

Reader Feedback