Experts say it may be time for grocery stores to ban customers from coming inside because of Covid-19

New York CNN Business — Dozens of grocery store workers have died from the coronavirus, despite masks, temperature checks and capacity restrictions to keep them safe. Grocery stores are still flooded with customers, and experts say it’s time for large chains to go “dark” to the public and convert to curbside pickup and home delivery for food and other essential goods. “I’m unwilling to put grocery store employees, essential though we are, in a position to risk what can be a fatal infection.” Whole Foods Market's Bryant Park location temporarily closed to the public to focus on grocery delivery. Mike Houston A Trader Joe’s representative said that while “we understand that during this time customers would appreciate a delivery or pick up service,” the grocer’s “systems are not set up in a way that would allow us to be able to offer these services, and at the same time maintain our commitment to offering value to our customers.” Switching to online pickup and delivery may also burden low-income customers who can’t afford fees that often come with these orders, customers without internet access and food stamp recipients. “Workers would still have exposure if they are delivering goods or if they are in the supermarket.” Still, in Malvern, Iowa, Mulholland Grocery has stopped allowing customers inside and moved to curbside pickup.