---
title: Protecting Employees and Shoppers from COVID-19
description: With COVID-19 infections spreading across the U.S., IGA employees can practice these 5 simple steps to prevent and contain the virus in their stores.
---

[IGA | Insights ](https://www.iga.com/insights)

# [Protecting Employees and Shoppers from COVID-19](https://www.iga.com/insights/how-to-prevent-contain-covid-19-at-your-store)

 Written by [Jessica Vician](https://www.iga.com/insights/author/jessica-vician) | Jun 24, 2020 4:22:26 PM

###### **Editor's note: This article was last updated on November 20, 2020 to reflect the latest guidelines from the CDC.*

While many cities were hit hard with COVID-19 early on, rural and suburban areas are starting to see an increase in infections. **So what can retailers do to prevent employees and shoppers from becoming infected? **While you're probably already implementing the [IGA Minimum Safety Standards provided by IGA CEO John Ross earlier this year, ](https://www.iga.com/insights/required-covid-19-safety-protocols-for-all-iga-retailers) and following the six steps outlined below with guidance from the [Centers for Disease Control](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html?utm_campaign=IGA%20Alert&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8LbD3kqYkFqDke3XNv4x_rvTWnBOH0Xmrdge5vBpkUAsQDJhfg_nj_4XA4pHF6SgOp9m2gEA5_LRYvUTVI0fx49mW6CA) (CDC), review them again to ensure they're top-of-mind for you and your employees. 

##### **STEP 1: Hygiene**

**Ensure all employees practice good hygiene.** This means: washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently and/or wearing gloves. If soap and water isn't available, they should use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. 

<https://igasigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hand_Washing_8.5x11.pdf>

Post these [hand washing guidelines](https://igasigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hand_Washing_8.5x11.pdf) and [virus prevention tips](https://igasigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Virus_Prevention_8.5x11.pdf) in employee break rooms, restrooms, and at sinks to remind employees of proper hand washing procedures. 

##### STEP 2: Social Distancing and Masks

**Remind employees to avoid close contact with others**, both at work and at home. Whenever possible, keep at least six feet of distance with others at work and in public, and provide employees with a [well-fitting face mask](https://www.iga.com/hubfs/Alert/Respirator%20Memo%202%20(National%20Grocers).pdf). Post the below social distancing sign for shoppers and employees, available for [download here](https://igasigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LT_Social_Distancing_8.5x11-1.pdf).

<https://igasigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LT_Social_Distancing_8.5x11-1.pdf>

If you haven't already, install plexiglass shields at the cash registers to reduce transmission of the virus between shoppers and employees. For more information on ordering these shields or building them, [see this article](https://www.iga.com/insights/check-out-lane-barriers-promote-safety) from our Red Oval partner Innomark. 

##### STEP 3: Cover Coughs and Sneezes

**Always cover coughs and sneezes with a mask, tissue, or the inside of the elbow.** Immediately dispose of any tissues used and wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use 60 percent alcohol hand sanitizer.

##### STEP 4: Clean and Sanitize

**Incorporate regular cleaning AND sanitizing procedures in store.** Wipe down frequently-touched surfaces, like door handles at the store entrances and exits, cooler handles, bathroom door and sink handles, etc. Use [EPA-approved disinfectants](https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19) to further sanitize these surfaces. See the [CDC recommendations for more cleaning and disinfecting tips](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fdisinfecting-building-facility.html). 

##### STEP 5: Monitor Health

**Ask employees to monitor their health and increase staffing capabilities for backup.** Require employees with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms* to stay home. Implement temperature checks before employees are authorized to begin work to ensure no one has a fever. **[COVID-19 symptoms](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html) include, but are not limited to: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sudden loss of taste or smell, sore throat.*

##### **STEP 6: Stay Connected**

**Connect with IGA's resources to ensure you're up to date on the latest COVID-19 news and prevention measures.**

- Follow the [IGA Minimum Safety Standards](https://www.iga.com/insights/required-covid-19-safety-protocols-for-all-iga-retailers) set forth by IGA CEO John Ross.
- Visit **[*IGAALERT*.com](https://igaalert.com/)**, where we've gathered critical resources for IGA retailers, including the latest guidance from the CDC and FDA, reports on shopper behavior, legislation updates, and more.
- Join our private [Hometown Proud Best Practices Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/IGAHometownProud/) to share your best practices and find new ones from other IGA retailers. 
- Ensure all employees have completed the [free virus prevention courses](https://www.iga.com/insights/iga-coca-cola-institute-adds-6-new-crisis-prevention-courses) available through the IGA Coca-Cola Institute.

[View full post](https://www.iga.com/insights/how-to-prevent-contain-covid-19-at-your-store)

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