CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In an effort to prevent a potential spread of COVID-19 among customers and employees, H-E-B is installing so-called "sneeze guards" and social-distancing markers in every check-out lane in every one of its stores.
"We wanted to make sure that we protect, not only our customers, but our H-E-B partners as well,” said the grocery store chain's regional spokesperson Regina Garcia.
Sneeze guards are pieces of clear plastic that separate customers and checkers -- and theoretically their germs.
Social-distancing markers are stickers placed on the floor of check-out lanes. They encourage shoppers to stay 3-6 feet away from one another, which is what doctors recommend to avoid coronavirus spread.
Houston-area stores were the first to receive sneeze guards and social distancing markers earlier this week. Workers installed them at the H-E-B Plus on Saratoga Blvd. in Corpus Christi on Friday.
Shoppers were quick to notice.
"It prevents -- when you’re talking -- the spread of germs and everything,” said H-E-B customer Yolanda Alvarez of the sneeze guards.
"That was really nice to let us know what the actual distance that we need to take," was shopper Brenda Crawley's reaction to the social-distancing markers.
H-E-B hopes to complete the installation process early next week.
