The current coronavirus outbreak will, in the long run, alter American society in ways both large and small. While it is far too early to make predictions about those changes, there is at least one trend that should linger after the pandemic has passed — designated times for seniors at grocery stores.
Many grocery outlets locally and throughout the nation have set aside special hours for seniors or those with compromised immune systems to do their shopping. These typically are at the start of the day, with other patrons allowed into the store after that.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness and death. This is because our immune systems grow weaker as we age, which makes it more challenging for older adults to fight off infectious diseases. Chronic diseases are more common with age, can compromise the immune system, and make people more vulnerable to serious complications.”
Early results from the outbreak indicate that older citizens have much higher mortality rates from the disease than other age groups, leading to understandable caution on the part seniors. That caution has led many to avoid visiting stores or run necessary errands such as picking up prescriptions.
Of course, all residents should adhere to Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order as closely as possible. Avoiding contact with others is essential to public health and to stemming the spread of the virus. But the governor understandably has made an exception for grocery shopping as an essential activity.
While a special shopping hour for seniors is a smart business move for grocery stores and will provide a little comfort for some concerned shoppers, other vulnerable citizens still are reluctant to venture into public. If you are comfortable visiting a grocery store, be sure to check with older family members or neighbors to see if they need any assistance.
In many ways, grocery stores have become a cultural symbol during these uneasy times. Yes, the hoarding of toilet paper and other paper products — along with beans, rice, pasta and other nonperishable food items — have left shelves barren. And, yes, the rules of social distancing — remain at least 6 feet away from others — apply when walking the aisles or standing in the checkout line. But in many ways, the store is one place where life bears some resemblance of normal times.
For that, we thank the dedicated employees who deliver products, stock the shelves and work the cash registers. Considering how many customers visit a grocery store in a typical day, this is hazardous and largely thankless work. But, as many of us have been reminded in recent weeks, it is essential for a functioning society.
Notably, most grocery stores in the region have increased hiring, even as they cut hours to allow employees more time to stock depleted shelves. While most other industries are feeling the effects of the economic shutdown, stores are thriving as customers who are unable to eat out find themselves stocking up.
Eventually, we hope, grocery stores will return to previous operating hours, social distancing recommendations will be relaxed and the clamor for toilet paper will subside. But regardless of what becomes the new normal for grocery stores, we recommend they continue a dedicated hour for seniors to shop. Some ideas make sense in good times and bad.
