ADAMS, Mass. — Despite below freezing temperatures and a light snow, seniors started entering Adam's Hometown Market on Tuesday at 7 a.m., the first morning of the store's new adjusted hours.

 

The supermarket is joining other companies in offering an exclusive shopping window to the most at-risk segments of the population for the foreseeable future because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

"The company made the decision to help those who need it most so they can feel comfortable being around the store and not be around the mass public," said store manager Robert Pytko. "Every store in the chain. Every store will be open from 7 to 8 to let the elderly, the auto-immune compromised, and first responders in so they can get the things they need and get out and on with their day. They're welcome all day, of course, but this is a window just for them."

 

With Gov. Charlie Baker requiring restaurants to close or offer take-out and delivery only, and the ban on gatherings of more than 25 people, the amended hours come as welcome news to the most vulnerable.

 

Customers entering just past 7 o'clock were thanking Pytko as he greeted them at the door.

 

One woman asked if he needed to see ID.

 

"Come on in," Pytko said smiling.

 

The woman said she was not only picking stuff up for herself but was also there to stock up for her 87-year-old mother.

 

Health officials are strongly encouraging people to practice social distancing — keeping 3 to 6 feet away from others to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus. This is to help "flatten the curve" of people needing critical care. While the virus can infect anyone, the elderly or immuno-compromised are more at risk from the respiratory distress it causes. 

 

While non-essential workers or those with the capability to work from home can shield themselves from exposure to some degree, certain segments of the workforce — grocery store workers being one — are not as fortunate. 

 

Pytko was not deaf to the concerns of his employees about working around the public but said he hopes they recognize they are there for the greater good.

 

"Let's be honest, we have some people that are nervous about working around the public right now, but we are doing a job for the public and I hope everyone understands. We have so many people inside right now who are thanking us for being open and being stocked and we are glad to help," he said.

 

Business certainly has been brisk. Pytko said that compared to last Monday, yesterday the store receipts were roughly tripled. 

 

The further it got into the 7 o'clock hour the quicker the customers went by. A fresh canister of sanitizing wipes greeted them at the door. A quick walk through the aisles revealed they still had paper products left and were fairly well stocked with dairy and meat. Workers were actively replacing products throughout the store.

 

Pytko shared some more good news for seniors.

 

"Today is Tuesday so seniors get 10 percent off normally but we will be honoring that every day from 7 to 8 a.m.," he said.

 

Other food retailers offering exclusive senior hours are Stop & Shop starting Thursday, March 19, and Dollar General. Check with your local store to confirm specific hours. Not that many stores are also reducing hours during the state's emergency declaration.