LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — From family-owned stores to the corporate chains and grocery stores across the Bluegrass and country, there have been adaptations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
For small businesses like Wilson's Grocery and Meat in Lexington, making big operational changes has been a challenge.
"It's just been a challenge sometimes to roll with these curve balls that have been thrown at us," Wilson's Grocery and Meat Owner Corey Maple said. "We're trying our best to stay open as much as possible for our customers, but we're trying to do it in a way that's safe for our customers and employees."
Over the past few weeks Maple has tried out several different strategies for getting food to his customers. For example, he tried all-day curbside delivery, but had to cut it down to 'lunch only' due to a lack of resources.
Now, he's trying out Saturday morning breakfast delivery for customers who live inside New Circle.
He has also shortened the store's hours so employees spend an hour cleaning at the end of the day. Employees also clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces throughout the day. There can only be 10 people, including customers, inside at all times and employees wear gloves.
"We know that if we're going to have people in the store we're going to have to take the precautions necessary," Maple said.
According to Maple, both customers and employees have been understanding of the changes and see the bigger picture.
"People are being really gracious and that's the best part," Maple said.
"It's keeping us safe as employees as well so that kind of gives us motivation to keep everything clean and sanitized," employee Sidney Beaven said.
Chain groceries like Kroger and Fresh Market have also adapted with the times.
Starting Tuesday, the Fresh Market is requiring all customers to wear masks.
Starting today, Whole Foods is requiring all team members and Prime Now shoppers to wear a mask throughout the entirety of their shift, according to a public relations team member.
