BY KGW STAFF

Fred Meyer is making some in-store changes to promote social distancing and give employees a safer place to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.Plexiglass partitions are being installed at cash registers and pharmacy counters, and educational decals will be placed on the floors near the registers to remind people about the importance of standing away from others while waiting in line.

Every checkout stand should have a plexiglass partition within the next three weeks, the company said.

Additionally, store employees will now be allowed to wear protective masks and gloves. Fred Meyer spokesman Jeffery Temple said the company is aware of the national shortage of personal protective equipment and fully supports health care workers getting masks and gloves before grocery workers. He added that the company is advocating to the government for help obtaining PPE for grocery workers in the future.

Fred Meyer says store hours have been adjusted nationwide to give workers more time to clean, restock shelves and rest.

Daily cleaning of commonly used areas has been increased.