Monroe County grocery stores have been implementing a range of safety protocols as a means to limit the spread of the coronavirus - with some even beginning to limit the numbers of customers allowed into the store.

The ShopRite of Stroudsburg announced that it will begin to enforce a limited number of shoppers from entering.

Beginning Saturday, the store established a maximum of around 30% of the store’s capacity to be allowed in at a time. Entrance into the store is permitted by a security guard.

A majority of grocery stores in the area have modified several aspects of their store as well; from installing Plexiglas guards on all register lanes, closing earlier to provide more time for deep cleaning, suspending self-service, to allocating the first hour of operations for elderly and high-risk customers.

“Everyone’s in this together, both sides of the team have to use their heads,” said Chris Kinsley, co-owner of the ShopRite in Brodheadsville.

“Most of our customers, 99% have been great; very understanding and cooperative.”

The store closes at 8 p.m. now to do deep cleaning and stock shelves.

“We installed guards at all the checkouts and we have signs up about 6-foot rule,” Kinsley said.

Plexiglas protectors and protective guards have been installed at the register lanes, pharmacy and guest services to help with maintaining safe space and social distance.

When possible, the store tries to run every other register so people aren’t close to each other.

Now everything is prepackaged, including doughnuts, hot food bar, salad bar and deli. “There is no self-service anything,” he said.

“I do recommend that they do leave kids at home and shop by themselves to limit groups,” Kinsley said.

Dennis Curtin, director of public relations for Weis Markets Inc., said, “As the result of COVID-19 concerns, we’ve been focused on offering a safe and welcoming environment to our customers. This process starts with our associates - for the past three weeks, we’ve been updating them on (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines re: social distancing and personal precautions.”

Grocery stores have seen an increase in business under the current circumstances.

Curtin emphasized the importance of meeting supply demands.

“When things changed two weeks ago, we saw a tremendous surge in demand. We’ve adjusted since then and have adapted to what we call the ‘new normal.’ Each day, we’re sending a record number of product shipments to our stores. To ensure the most possible customers can buy these products, we’ve put common-sense limits on many of them,” Curtin said.

“We’re grateful to our associates for all their hard work during these challenging times. And we’re grateful to our customers who look to us during this challenging time.”

Throughout the area, people are reminded to keep a safe distance. At the Brodheadsville Post Office, tape on the floor marks out a 6-foot distance.

Beginning last week, Chestnuthill Township started limiting the number of cars in the recycling center. Just four are allowed at a time, two on each side. Workers signal people when it’s their turn to enter the building.