Local grocery stores have implemented new practices to help stop the spread of COVID-19 even as customers continue to come through their premises.

Lee Kotowicz is the Franchise Owner and Operator of Sobeys Steinbach. He notes being an essential service, their store will remain open so they have taken a few steps to assist customers in their social distancing efforts.

Tape lines help customers keep distance between themselves"We have lines at all our checkouts to help with social distancing so we are asked to keep customers to wait until the next person has gone through that line before they move up to the next line at the checkouts. We are also doing announcements to let customers know that when they are approaching the checkouts what is being asked of them and thanking them for their patience during this time."

Plexiglas barriers have also been set up between cashiers and customers at each till. Kotowicz says incentives are being provided to their staff.

"Sobeys has graciously done incentives for their employees, calling it the Hero Program. Employees are receiving monetary incentives just for being the unsung heroes that they are right now."

Sobeys Steinbach has shortened their store hours, they are now open from 8 A.M. until 8 P.M. Kotowicz thanks his employees for their hard work and dedication over the last few weeks.

"I have great employees, still as happy as ever. They are serving the customer proudly because this is our community's store as much as it is theirs and we are doing good. The stock continues to roll in and we continue to put it out. Obviously it is harder to get the stock in with all that has gone on but it is continuing to roll in and we are told it should get better day by day."

Read more: Steinbach Shops Set Up To Help Seniors

Superstore in Steinbach has shields in place between customer and cashier