SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Hannaford Supermarkets announced effective Tuesday, March 24 its stores will offer dedicated shopping hours for people age 60 and older and those with compromised immune systems.

Stores will open early from 6 to 7 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday to serve this vulnerable population and allow a less crowded shopping environment, which enables better social distancing, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hannaford also is shortening its general hours starting Saturday, March 21 to provide additional time to clean, stock shelves and give associates time to rest. The new daily hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Providing a designated shopping period for seniors and at-risk individuals allows this population to shop before other customers are in the store. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people age 60 and older and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Although associates will not request ID for entry, Hannaford urges the community to respect the intention for the early opening.

Both efforts are temporary and will be reviewed and revised as circumstances evolve.