Winn-Dixie, Publix and Wal-Mart have announced changes in their operating hours because of the because of the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Winn-Dixie announced Sunday that its stores would begin closing at 9 p.m. – an hour early – effective Monday. Publix announced Saturday that all of its locations will close at 8 p.m. but will continue to open at 7 a.m. each day. Wal-Mart also announced Saturday that all of its 24-hour stores, as well as its Neighborhood Markets, now will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.
The changes in hours in all three chains were implemented so employees can clean and sanitize the stores and stock products that desperately are being sought, such as hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
“We are working tirelessly to have the items you need on our shelves. We have applied purchase limits on some key items to allow more customers to get what they need,” Publix said.
Publix is also pushing alternative shopping options such as delivery or curbside pickup of groceries and other items.
Winn-Dixie also announced that “out of an abundance of caution,” its stores will no longer operate self-serve deli bars. Instead, prepackaged deli items will be available. It also said delivery services, such as a “drop and leave” program, will be available for customers who want to avoid personal contact and have their products brought to their homes.