Publix expanding store hours

Publix stores will now be open for a few hours longer.

The Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer announced that beginning May 16, its doors will now be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

In addition, the pharmacy will return to normal operating hours. The previously established designated shopping hours for those over the age of 65 years old, first responders and health care workers will be discontinued, the company said.

Although the previously designated shopping hours will no longer be in effect, the retailer is encouraging those who prefer to shop when the store is less crowded to come in and shop during the 7 a.m. hour.

Social distancing in order to maintain the well-being of associates and shoppers will continue to be mandated at stores via additional cleaning and preventative sanitation before and after store hours.

Associates will still be required to wear face coverings, and six-foot separation through intercom announcements, signage, floor decals and one-way shopping aisles will still remain effective.

Plexiglass shields at all registers, pharmacies and customer service counters will remain, and the retailer is encouraging contactless pay and allowing store managers to limit the number of customers inside stores.