The coronavirus pandemic is a scary time for everyone, but perhaps no one is more vulnerable than our senior citizens.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and others have routinely stressed that people over the age of 60 are at a substantially higher risk of being hospitalized or even dying of the disease, along with people with respiratory problems or other health issues. The social distancing measures being put into place in Ohio and elsewhere are especially meant to protect them, as others could potentially transmit the virus to them without even knowing it.

Although most mass gatherings of more than 50 people have been banned for the time being, grocery stores remain open, as residents need a space to buy supplies and prepare to hunker down for a while. This can create a problem for the elderly population: While they need to buy food and other things to keep them safe, they could also be putting their immediate health in danger by journeying to a potentially crowded store.

However, multiple supermarkets and other locations across the country have heard these concerns and have decided to step up their game, reserving some of their early hours only for senior citizens to give them a safe space to shop with a lower risk of infection. 3News has gathered a list of such locations and chains in Northeast Ohio, and you can view it below.

NOTE: This list will be updated, & some hours may also apply to vulnerable shoppers who are not seniors; check each location’s website to find out if you apply

Apples Market

Hours: 6-7 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays

Website: ApplesMarket.com

Dave’s Supermarket

Hours: 7-8 a.m. daily beginning March 20

Website: DavesMarkets.com

Dollar General

Hours: 8-9 a.m. daily

Website: DollarGeneral.com

Fligner’s Market

1854 Broadway Ave., Lorain

Hours: 6-7:30 a.m. on Wednesdays

Website: FlignersMarket.com

Giant Eagle

Hours: 6-7 a.m. daily

Website: gianteagle.com

Lucky’s Market

11620 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland 

Hours: 7-8 a.m. daily

Website: LuckysMarket.com

Save-A-Lot

Hours: *Check your local store for participating times

Website: SaveALot.com

Target

Hours: 8-9 a.m. every Wednesday

Website: Target.com

Walmart

Hours: 6-7 a.m. every Tuesday

Website: walmart.com

Whole Foods Market

Hours: 8-9 a.m. daily

Website: WholeFoodsMarket.com

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