As a way of minimizing physical interaction while shopping, supermarkets like Kroger and Walmart are testing out one way aisles.
Kroger, the nation's largest supermarket operator, is testing one-way aisles at stores in certain markets to determine their effectiveness in providing appropriate distancing between customers. Walmart is trying it out too.
"We expect this to help more customers avoid coming into close contact with others as they shop," Dacona Smith, Walmart US' executive vice president and chief operating officer, wrote in an April 3 announcement.
Starting today, Kroger will reduce its store capacity by 50% to limit the number of customers who are shopping at the same time.
"Our technology system that uses infrared sensors and predictive analytics will let us more efficiently support our new capacity limits, creating a safer environment for our customers and associates," Yael Cosset, Kroger's chief technology and digital officer, said in the announcement.
Kroger is encouraging employees to wear protective masks and gloves. The grocer said it has ordered masks for its US workforce and also plans to expand employee temperature checks to stores.