GRANT COUNTY — In response to the coronavirus outbreak and empty store shelves, several grocery stores across the region will be implementing hours reserved for seniors and other populations most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Safeway locations are reserving time to shop for seniors, pregnant women and others with compromised immune systems from 7-9 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Akins Fresh Market in Soap Lake and Akins Harvest Foods in Quincy will be reserving the 6-7 a.m. hour for senior citizens on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

From March 24 to April 28, Walmart will open its doors to customers 60 years old and above on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour before stores open. Beginning Thursday, March 19, Walmart stores will be adjusting their hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours, so the time reserved for seniors may vary.

Walmart will also be implementing item limits Thursday, including for paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food.