ACME Markets Reserve Hours For At-Risk Shoppers Amid Coronavirus

ACME Markets set aside time for at-risk shoppers as the nation combats the novel coronavirus. Stores reserved 7-9 a.m. each weekday for people over 60 and those with compromised immune systems.

The precaution appears to be a recommendation rather than a rule.

"We ask for your help to try to avoid shopping during these short windows of time and reserver them for our senior citizens 60 and older and other at-risk members of the community," Wednesday's announcement said.

Several stores, such as Stop & Shop, have recently instituted similar changes. Setting aside early hours helps people at the greatest risk to shop after overnight sanitization. Read more: Seniors-Only Hours Coming To W. Caldwell Stop & Shop: Coronavirus

Governor Phil Murphy reported 162 new cases of the virus Wednesday, raising the total to 427 in New Jersey, including five deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Cases Soar By 162, Death Toll Rises To 5

New Jersey has 73 ACME locations — more than any other state.

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