insights

Large US food retailers use plexiglass shields to protect from COVID-19

April 1, 2020 — As the threat from coronavirus grows throughout the US, food retailers are having to implement extra measures in order to keep customers and staff safe from contracting the virus. One of the newest ways that some businesses are doing this is through the installation of plexiglass shields at checkouts. Plexiglass shields provide an extra layer of protection for both customers and staff by blocking infected droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking.

Kroger, which is the largest supermarket chain in the US, will be installing the plexiglass shields at all checkouts, pharmacy counters, and even Starbucks kiosks. Walmart is doing the same, and stated that they are finding “new ways to help bring peace of mind to everyone who steps through our doors.”

The plexiglass shields will take a bit of time to be installed throughout all of the stores, but the hope is that the effects of their use will not take long to see. Protecting staff is essential, as these food retail giants rely heavily on their staff to keep their thousands of stores running smoothly. This is especially true during this time where food retailers are having to increase daily operations such as cleaning and sanitizing and enforcing social distancing within the stores. It is a “all hands on deck” situation, and the use of plexiglass shields are poised to protect those who are most vulnerable during the continual crisis.