NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — COVID-19 has closed many businesses for social distancing, but many places like the grocery stores are essential and must remain open.
Jenni Hunter, owner of Compton's Foodland in South Nashville said she had to make some much needed changes to keep her employees and customers safe.
Customers are now being asked to wear mask and gloves, and to use one set of doors to enter and to exit the store.
Hunter says staff are also keeping an eye on how many people come in and out. Right now, 50 customers are allowed in at a time.
“We’ve changed a lot, we do ask for everybody’s patience because it’s different; we have to be different right now for everybody to stay safe,” said Hunter.
It was a challenge but Hunter says she understands these practices are the best in keeping everyone healthy.
“We offer antibacterial at the registers just so after you’re finished with shopping, you’re able to utilize that as well as our cashiers in between customers,” she said.
Employees are also wearing mask, sneeze guards are up at the registers and there are decals on the floor reminding people to stay 6 feet apart.
“We completely changed how we enter how we exit, we clean every cart before it goes into the next set of hands,” said Hunter.
She also asking for one member of the family to come in the store to do the shopping; and if possible no children in order to keep them safe as well.
Store hours have also adjusted to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
