Giant Eagle to limit number of people allowed in stores

Tom Davidson | Monday, April 6, 2020 3:19 p.m.

Tom Davidson | Tribune-Review

The Giant Eagle at Edgewood Towne Centre.

Giant Eagle said Monday it will begin limiting the number of customers who can shop at each store at one time.

“As supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies remain in operation as essential community resources, we believe it’s vital to heighten our social distancing and sanitization procedures throughout the store,” company spokeswoman Jannah Jablonowski said in a statement.

The limit will be “up to 50% of the occupancy allowed by the fire code,” the O’Hara-based retailer said in a statement.

The amount of people allowed in each store includes employees.

The chain said it will post the occupancy allowed near each store’s entrance.

When possible, the stores will use every other register lane to provide an additional buffer between people to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Designated employees will monitor social distancing and warn people if they’re not abiding by guidelines.

The changes will be implemented this week at the 216 grocery stores Giant Eagle operates in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland.

The chain is also providing its employees with masks and gloves and frequently sanitizing surfaces.

Giant Eagle previously installed protective Plexiglas and social distancing floor indicators.

The chain is encouraging its curbside pickup and delivery services to promote safety.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work together to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe and fed,” Jablonowski said.

The chain is opening early on Thursdays and Fridays for first responders and health care workers, who can shop from 6 to 7 a.m. those days before the stores open to the public.