With the COVID-19 crisis in full force, the City of Destin is calling on local grocery stores and pharmacies to support senior citizens.
Last week, the city released a letter from City Manager Lance Johnson asking all grocery stores and pharmacies to allow seniors to shop for one hour before opening to the public.
“The health and safety of our residents is top priority, especially our seniors,” the letter said.
There are still many unknowns about the coronavirus, but according to the Centers for Disease Control, those at high risk of serious illness continue to be people 65 years and older and those with serious underlying diseases. According to the 2010 Census data, 17.4% of Destin’s population is 65 and older, not counting the snowbirds who stay through the fall and spring months.
Destin City Councilman Parker Destin has made a point to call for senior hours across the board, speaking up at last week’s Okaloosa County emergency meeting regarding coronavirus and making the point again at the City of Destin’s emergency meeting.
Trying to provide help when a virus is fast spreading in the state, and throughout the world, is not easy for local governments, said Destin.
“It’s bewildering,” he said. “The best I can do is lead from my personal standpoint and take politics out of it. In Destin we have a significant senior population. Affording them the opportunity to go shopping when stores are clean and not filled with people is one the best things we can do with our limited toolbox.”
And while local governments can’t force business to enact policies, they can encourage it. Already, several big-box stores, like Publix, have started senior hours.
“We understand there are customers for whom shopping may be extra difficult right now, so we are pleased to offer them this dedicated time in our stores to shop at their own pace,” said Maria Brous, director of communications for Publix.
In addition to senior hours, the grocery store has also taken other precautions such as a “heightened disinfection program” for touchpads, door and drawer handles, phones and computers. The store has also suspended food demonstrations.
Getting back to some kind of normalcy will depend on people working together, said Destin.
“If everybody sacrifices in the short-term, there’s a good chance of long-term benefit,” he said.
Florida Senior Hours
We will try to keep this list updated
Publix: Ages 60 and up can shop Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7-8 a.m. Pharmacy will also be open at that time.
Whole Foods: Ages 60 and up can shop early starting at 7 to 8 a.m.
Fresh Market: Senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions can shop from 8-9 a.m. weekdays.
Walmart: Ages 60 and up can shop one hour before store opening every Tuesday
Walgreens: Seniors and immediate family and caregivers can shop 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays
Dollar General: First hour of store operations is open to seniors only.
Sam’s Club: Seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems can shop 7-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday open for seniors and “vulnerable” guests
Winn-Dixie: Seniors and high-risk customers can shop 8-9 a.m. weekdays.
