Local stores are updating operating hours and implementing measures in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Texas grocery chain H-E-B, which was opened in 1905, informed the public of its updated operation hours via its website on March 13.
All H-E-B stores will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice. Most H-E-B Pharmacies will be open at the same time Monday through Friday, and regular hours on weekends.
In a post March 7, H-E-B said it is “prepared to help … fellow Texans in any situation our company and communities might face.”
The chain is equipping its employees with the most current information in order to make informed decisions for their families.
“We have increased resources for our Partners to improve their wellness practices and if they do not feel well, we encourage them to stay home,” the post states.
H-E-B has also eliminated all domestic and international business-related air travel for H-E-B employees until further notice.
The company has implemented limits on certain items and is maintaining close contact with suppliers and employees to keep shelves stocked.
Stores and hard surfaces are being sanitized at a higher frequency and customers can find hand sanitizer available throughout the stores. Training for employees will also be conducted in order to reinforce enhanced hygiene and personal wellness measures.
Everyday preventative measures and practices the post suggests include:
–Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
–Not touching eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands;
–Covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
–Cleaning frequently touched surfaces;
–Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and;
–Staying home if sick.
The H-E-B team is monitoring all developments related to the coronavirus and is prepared to take additional actions as needed to ensure safety, health and well-being of customers, employees and communities.
Walmart
Walmart has also changed its operating hours amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.
According to a post published on its website March 14, the updated hours “help ensure associates are able to stock the products … customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing.”
In a post published March 10, preventive measures are being taken to keep stores clean and healthy.
Stores are cleaned daily with increased associate focus on cleaning and additional cleaning supplies are being sent for use in registers and shopping carts.
The retailer is working to keep stores stocked and have fair prices. Store managers are authorized to manage inventory including the discretion to limit quantities on high-demand items.
The post advises any associate who is not feeling well to stay home.
In regard to international travel, Walmart is restricting all cross-border international travel to business-critical trips.
Domestic travel will continue related to essential operations, which include store and club visits.
The Walmart U.S. Customer Conference is canceled and a virtual form of the meeting will take place.
El Globo
El Globo supermarket is changing its operating hours due to the virus. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A spokesman for El Globo supermarket said the number of customers has increased since the news of the virus.
Asked if he had recommendations for shoppers, the spokesman replied that they should not panic.
“Not to hoard items … so that everybody has enough for everybody, not just one person,” he said. “That’s where the problem is. The people that really need it are the ones that can’t get it.”
The spokesman said they are trying to help the customers as much as they can to get what they need.
