MICHAEL WAS THE OFFICIAL GREETER AT HARRIS TEETER THIS MORNING
By Dave Vieser and Dave Yochum. As the national discussion turns to when and how America should reopen for business, grocery workers have been on the front lines since the COVID-19 crisis became apparent in March.
Locally, Cornelius grocers are bracing for a “new normal” that will likely mean facemasks for employees and shoppers for the duration, not to mention plexiglas shields between shoppers and clerks. Read guidance from the Centers for Disease Control here.
The Washington Post has reported that thousands of grocery workers have tested positive for COVID-19 nationally and dozens have died.
Grocers are also rolling out contactless payment options to protect the health and well-being of customers and associates.
A contactless payment is made by placing a smartphone or contactless pay-enabled credit or debit card near a contactless device, rather than swiping or inserting a card into the PIN pad. The most commonly known ones include Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Publix offers contactless payment at their Cornelius store while Harris Teeter has express pick up online services whereby shoppers can place their order online and pick up the order from their car.
We visited four grocery stores inn Cornelius. Facemasks are not required of shoppers but are recommended.
HARRIS TEETER OLD JETTON
Masks on employees: 100%
Masks on shoppers: More than 75%
Toilet Paper: No TP
Aisles marked: Distance at check-out is marked but no one-way aisles
Notes: Some rolls of paper towels, no tissues, no disinfectants. HT has closed alternate self-serve check-out counters.
PUBLIX
Masks on employees: 100%
Masks on shoppers: About 60%
Toilet Paper: No TP
Aisles marked: Yes, with one-way direction signs.
Notes: Paper aisle had a few small tissue boxes. All self-serve checkouts open.
FOOD LION
Masks on employees: Very few
Masks on shoppers: More than 50%
Toilet Paper: No TP at Food Lion
Aisles marked: Well marked
FRESH MARKET
Masks on employees: It looks like 100%
Masks on shoppers: More than 75%
Toilet Paper: No TP at Fresh Market
Aisles marked: Well marked
