KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 15, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark and Jennifer Miko
Major chain grocery stores announced new operating hours to restock empty shelves as Katy residents join the nation by preparing to stay home during the COVID-19 national health emergency.
Empty shelves in the Kroger on Bay Hill Blvd.
Katy residents are joining the nation by stocking up to stay home and prevent community spread of the coronavirus. Some shoppers have donned gloves and face masks as they walked the grocery store aisles.
“I’m 61 years old and in my lifetime, I’ve seen a lot of firsts,” says Katy resident Carolyn Cook. “Never in my lifetime have I ever seen this kind of panic and empty shelves, not even during a hurricane.”
Target paper products aisle on Westheimer Parkway; photo credit: Veronica Miko
Local grocery stores are experiencing mass shortages of supplies such as toilet paper, canned and frozen goods, and other essentials. In an attempt to replenish empty shelves, stores have adjusted their operating hours to restock.
New Grocery Store Hours:
H-E-B
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This also applies to H-E-B-owned stores like Central Market.
Randalls
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Walmart
6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Kroger
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
These new adjusted hours go into effect today, Sunday, March 15 and will continue until further notice.
Promoting Social Distancing
This week, local school districts, colleges and universities will start their “extended spring break,” and many large corporations have implemented work-from-home protocol for their employees. Local businesses have canceled special events as government officials advise against gatherings of more than 250 to promote social distancing.
Katy Magazine will continue to update this story and provide other information about the effect of the coronavirus on our community.