HOUGHTON — Hand sanitizer dispensers, decals indicating proper spacing and sneeze guards are all becoming common sights as stores respond to COVID-19. 

At Econo Foods in Houghton, the store has implemented more frequent cleaning and made masks and gloves available for employees, said manager Jon Bittmann. Hand-sanitizer wipes are available throughout the stores for customers, while Plexiglass sneeze guards have been placed at registers.

There has not been much feedback, Bittman said, but from what he has heard, “they’re grateful for us doing what we can to help prevent and stop the spread of the virus,” he said. 

Pat’s Foods in Hancock has also added sneeze guards at the registers. Some employees have also started masks and gloves, said manager Heather Aro. 

“We’re not forcing them to wear them at this point, but some feel more comfortable wearing them,” she said. 

They’re also frequently washing high-contact areas such as credit-card machines and registers. When employees have a moment free, they also clean frequently touched areas within the store, such as doors handles on refrigerator units. Pat’s has also made sanitizing spray available for customers. 

There are some situations where maintaining six feet of distance is tough, such as a cashier near the traffic from the adjoining line, Aro said. But for the most part, people are doing their best to comply. 

“You can tell people will stop and wait for one person to walk by before another person passes them,” she said. “They’re trying.”

In addition to other precautions, the Keweenaw Co-op has instituted curbside pickup for people who are sick or part of a vulnerable population, according to its website. It has also set aside 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesdays for shoppers 55 and older, who are at increased risk from the coronavirus. The co-op also encouraged younger shoppers to set aside that day of shopping for seniors. 

Walmart has also instituted precautions, such as reducing hours to allow for restocking in the morning. Last week, it also began making customers come through the same entrance so keep track of how many are in the store. Stores will now only allow five customers per 1,000 square feet, according to the Walmart website.

In a number of stores, Walmart will also institute one-way aisle through decals indicating direction, it said on its website.