Grocery stores offer special hours for kupuna, others at highest risk

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - A number of grocery stores are setting up special shopping periods for seniors amid growing fears coronavirus is spreading in the community.

The elderly and those with serious pre-existing conditions are at highest risk of developing severe symptoms from coronavirus, or COVID-19.

In a bid to protect those customers, these stores have set up special shopping periods for at-risk populations:

• Target will reserve the first hour of shopping on Wednesdays for senior citizens.
• Foodland will set aside the first hour of business at stores statewide on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to serve only those 60 and older and their caretakers. The program will start Thursday and continue through March 31.
• Times Supermarkets will reserve the first hour of its store opening every day for seniors and people with serious chronic medical conditions. The change will go into effect on Friday until further notice.
• Tamura’s Market will open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:15 to 8 a.m. for seniors (age 60 and older) and an accompanying family member or caregiver. This will start Friday and continue through March 30.
• Whole Foods Market stores will open for seniors 60 and older one hour before opening.

Contact your local store for official store hours.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2020 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.