As businesses across the US continue to shutdown, grocery stores continue to stay open. And as demand continues to rise, store employees are carrying the load like never before. One grocery store chain, Stop & Shop, recognizes the extraordinary work of its associates and is taking measures to reward them and ensure their safety.

Stop & Shop stores are in the process of adding plexiglass shields at cash registers to act as a barrier between customers and associates. These barriers are crucial to protect both associates and customers, as maintaining six feet apart for social distancing isn’t possible at the register.

The Massachusetts-based chain is also providing a ten-percent pay increase to all current union hourly employees. Along with the pay raise, employees who must self-quarantine will receive two weeks paid sick leave, as well as flexible scheduling for those juggling extra responsibilities at home due to the pandemic.

For the latest updates on how Stop & Shop is dealing with the COVID-19 emergency, you can visit their News & Media page.