To help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in its stores, Safeway and Albertsons will install plexiglas "sneeze guards" in all locations over the next few weeks.

The plexiglas will be installed in the checkout lanes at the company's more than 2,200 stores, Albertsons Companies said in a news release.

“We recognize that we provide an essential service to our communities,” company president and CEO Vivek Sankaran said in the news release. “We are doing everything we can to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable shopping space for our valued customers. This is an extra step to protect our associates who are in constant contact with the public and provide our customers with extra reassurance as well.”

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Work has already begun to install these guards at Denver-area stores, with all Colorado stores expected to have them installed by the end of the month.

The company has also taken other precautions in its stores to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading:

Installing designated waiting points with floor markers positioned throughout the store, especially at check stands and stations where people congregate. This is to encourage customers to keep 6 feet between them.

Temporarily stopping self-service stations like soup, salad and wing bars.

Enhancing cleaning measures on high-trafficked areas throughout the day and deep cleaning the store at the end of every day.

Asking employees to follow public health guidelines, including washing hands and staying home if sick.

Reserving specific time for people who are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19 to shop in their stores.

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Sady Swanson covers crime, courts, public safety and more throughout Northern Colorado. You can send your story ideas to her at sswanson@coloradoan.com or on Twitter at @sadyswan. Support our work and local journalism with a digital subscription at Coloradoan.com/subscribe.