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