Coronavirus: Minnesota's Hy-Vee Stores Add New Restrictions

Eagan MN

23 March, 2020

10:46 AM

Description

TWIN CITIES, MN — Hy-Vee stores are adding new policies in play as the grocery continues to respond to the spread of the new coronavirus. As of March 20, customers are no longer allowed to bring in their own reusable bags. The company says it is difficult to monitor the cleanliness of bags brought from home. The stores are also adding temporary window panels at checkouts which aim to to protect both employees and customers. Hy-Vee locations have also begun reserving one hour of shopping time — 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. every day — for "high-risk" customers. Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily. High-risk customers include: People 60 and olderExpectant mothersPeople with underlying health conditionsAdditionally, all dining areas in Hy-Vee stores are now closed. "The spread of this virus is asking us all to take extraordinary measures and change the way we live our lives," said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee CEO, in a statement. "We are continuing to adapt at Hy-Vee so that we can serve our customers and keep everyone in our stores as safe and healthy as possible." The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 increased to 169 in Minnesota Sunday. On Saturday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced the state's first COVID-19-related death. The patient was a Ramsey County resident in their 80s. She died on March 19. Walz signed an executive order last week enacting the temporary closure of all Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. He also ordered the temporary closure of public places, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community clubs. Also read: Brother Of Minnesota's Lt. Governor Dies Of CoronavirusCoronavirus: 169 Cases In MinnesotaAllina Health Asks Minnesotans To Donate Face Masks1st Minnesota Coronavirus Death Reported SaturdayStay-At-Home Guide For Minnesota: Food Delivery And More