More major grocery chains limit capacity because of the coronavirus outbreak

Three more grocery store chains are limiting the number of shoppers inside to help promote social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Albertsons Companies, the parent company of Safeway and Albertsons, announced all Washington state stores will limit the number of shoppers inside to about 30% of the facilities’ current capacity, KHQ in Spokane, WA reported. The stores will also implement a one-way movement policy throughout the aisles, according to KEPR in Tri-cities.

Both stores will mark the direction of travel for shoppers to follow, KHQ reported. They also received an adequate amount of cloth masks to provide to all employees to help curb the spread of coronavirus among workers and shoppers, KEPR said.

Kroger announced they will limit the number of people in its stores nationwide, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Stores will post the limits Tuesday, which will vary by a store’s size, The Enquirer reported.

As a general rule, Kroger will limit store capacities to 1 person per 120 square feet, according to The Enquirer. Kroger used half of the international building code’s recommended capacity limit to promote social distancing practices, The Enquirer reported.

Kroger also ordered masks for workers in stores around the country after encouraging associates to wear gloves and masks, according to The Enquirer. All stores are expected to have masks for their employees by the end of this week, The Enquirer reported.

Kroger and Albertsons Companies follow other major retailers like Costco, Walmart and Home Depot in limiting the number of people inside stores.