Editor’s note: The Salt Lake Tribune is providing readers free access to critical local stories about the coronavirus during this time of heightened concern. See more coverage here.

Smith’s Food and Drug announced Tuesday that it will allow senior citizens exclusive shopping access to its stores to help the state’s most vulnerable residents weather the coronavirus crush.

Seniors can come between 7 and 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, store officials said. The early hours will begin Wednesday.

Staff will be available at each store to help those who need special accommodations.

For all other customers, temporary store hours will continue to be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition, Smith’s is evaluating its pharmacy hours to open earlier for seniors.

Article continues below

“Smith’s wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need to avoid busier and more crowded shopping times,” said Aubriana Martindale, Smith’s corporate affairs manager. “We request that customers respect these hours for the health of our community during this time of uncertainty. We appreciate all of our customers for their kind consideration, whose concern contributed to our decision to provide allocated hours for seniors.”