SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls’ two biggest grocers are taking steps to keep large groups of people from coming in to shop.
Both Hy-Vee and Walmart announced changes to their store policies Friday to help enforce social distancing.
Walmart stores across the country are putting a cap on the number of customers allowed in their stores. A store won’t be allowed to hold more than five customers per 1,000 square feet, roughly 20% of the store’s fire capacity.
Shoppers at Walmart can only enter through one door, usually near the grocery section. If the store fills up, people will be let in on a one-out, one-in basis.
HyVee is encouraging customers to follow a “one person per cart” rule starting Monday at all of its locations.
Both stores will start making aisles one-way to keep shoppers from passing one another when picking out food.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has expressed concern over grocery store traffic in the past.
“You don’t need to take your five kids to Walmart. You don’t need to take your whole family to Hy-Vee,” the mayor said on March 25.
Grocery stores are exempt from Sioux Falls’ rule restricting businesses to 10 on-site customers.
(KELO.com News’ Liz Ryan contributed to this report.)
