INDIANAPOLIS -- Picking up an order of groceries at Kroger may take a bit more time starting Tuesday.
Kroger is joining some other supermarkets in placing limits on the number of people who can be in its stores at one time.
The goal is to keep people spread out and less likely to pass on the coronavirus. The number of people allowed inside will be half of the store's building code capacity.
“Kroger’s introduction of customer capacity limits is one more way we are doing our part to flatten the curve while operating as an essential business, providing our customers with access to fresh, affordable food and products,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger’s senior vice president of operations. “During this national pandemic, we are committed to adopting preventive measures to help protect the safety and health of our associates, customers and communities.”
According to Kroger, the standing building capacity for a grocery store is one person for each 60 square feet. Now, that will be increased to one person for each 120 square feet. To keep track, Kroger will use the same technology that provides a count of how many people are coming into and out of its stores.
“By leveraging QueVision, our technology system that uses infrared sensors and predictive analytics, we will be able to more efficiently support our new capacity limits, creating a safer environment for our customers and associates,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief technology and digital officer.
In recent weeks, Kroger has taken other measures to keep its store safe, including the addition of plexiglass partitions between the customer and cashier.
