Essential businesses such as grocery stores have faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to creating a safe working environment for employees, grocery stores must take steps to ensure that their customers can avoid unnecessary risk when they shop. Here are some important considerations about how grocery stores can help keep people safe.

Aisles

Even in a large area, distancing can be difficult when there are a lot of people coming in and out. Making aisles one-way can help with grocery store risk management by sparing people from having to cross paths with one another as much as they normally would. However, staff needs to be instructed on how to enforce this policy.

Checkouts

Leaving markers on the floor to indicate where people should stand can prevent overcrowding in lines. In addition, there must be an adequate number of cashiers so that people don’t have to wait in long lines that spill into aisles. Lastly, a plastic guard in between cashiers and customers helps to minimize staff’s risk of exposure.

Security

Positioning staff near the front of the store is a key element of enforcing a policy that customers must wear masks. A strong security presence can also help to deter altercations between customers while tensions are running somewhat high.