IRVING, Texas — Within the next two weeks,7-Eleven Inc. will install two plexiglass sneeze guards at the front sales counter of every U.S. location to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Installations will begin in areas hardest hit by the pandemic, the company said. For easy access, credit card PIN units will be located on the customer-facing side of the plexiglass sneeze guards.

7-Eleven is also installing floor decals that instruct customers to practice social distancing during this period.

“We are doing everything we can to keep stores open and stocked with the products local communities need while also keeping customers safe,” said Joe DePinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven. “These new sneeze guards provide additional protection for customers, store associates and franchisees. We are monitoring the changing situation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and will continue to prioritize the health of our customers, store associates and franchisees across America.”

7-Eleven has dedicated a team at its Store Support Center to monitor the CDC’s and World Health Organization’s (WHO's) guidelines on the coronavirus to adjust as needed. So far, the company has enhanced its standards and procedures for hygiene, hand washing, sanitation, food handling and preparation in stores and increased the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces. It is also offering free delivery with purchase and promo code on all orders made through its 7Now delivery app, effective March 25 through April 30. The company's delivery service now offers a contactless delivery option, through which customers can indicate if they prefer their delivery "contactless," meaning the delivery is left at the door by the driver.

The company is also adjusting specific fees and credits that will result in $38 million in cash flow assistance to franchisees in the coming months.

Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 66,000 stores in 17 countries, including more than 9,300 in the United States. The retailer is No. 1 on the Top 40 update to CSP’s 2019 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by number of retail outlets.