Coronavirus: Minnesota Grocery Stores Issue New Guidelines

MINNESOTA — Grocery stores in Minnesota have pledged to stay open in order to serve residents during the state's "stay at home" order aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus. Grocers and supermarkets are deemed "essential" by the state government, and residents are allowed to leave their homes in order to buy food.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the Minnesota Grocers Association has issued several guidelines in order to keep the community safe:

• "Practice social distancing by allowing six feet between yourself and others as recommended by the CDC."
• "Streamline your trip by making a list and having only one family member do the shopping.
• "We encourage patience and assistance in the checkout lane as we practice extra cleaning procedures. Team members are diligently working to make customers’ shopping quick and efficient."
• "Buy smart and don’t overfill your carts. There is no shortage of product. The nation’s food supply is strong. We continue to receive deliveries every day to keep your pantry stocked. We encourage Minnesotans to remain calm and mindful as they shop. Overbuying can prevent your neighbor from providing for their family."
• "Sorry, no returns. As an added layer of precaution, Minnesota grocers have adjusted their return policies. This is to ensure the well-being of team members and our customers."
• "If you see some new products in your store give them a try. As an industry, we are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to bring farm to table and find new opportunities. We are building partnerships with local farmers/producers that lost their direct markets to schools, restaurants, and bars to keep our state’s economy moving forward."

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Grocery store chains across the state are independently taking additional measures in order to keep their workers and customers safe. Most stores now have a designated hour for high-risk shoppers. Many locations are also closing earlier.

Read about the new restrictions at Hy-Vee, Target, Cub, and Lunds & Byerlys.

Also read:

• Coronavirus Hits Minnesota's Prison System
• Minnesota Coronavirus Stay At Home Order: What You Should Know