Target to limit store traffic

Target Corp. is rolling out additional social distancing and safety measures in its stores.

Beginning April 4, the discounter said it will actively monitor and, when needed, limit the total number of people inside a store based on the location’s specific square footage. If metering is needed, an employee will help shoppers into a designated waiting area outside with social distancing markers. Other employees will guide shoppers inside the store and keep things moving quickly and conveniently, Target said.

“It’s another step to encourage social distancing, on top of the signage, floor decals and audio messages already in place at our stores,” the company stated.

In addition, during the next two weeks, Target will start providing store and distribution centers employees with high-quality, disposable face masks and gloves at the beginning of every shift, and will “strongly encourage” the employees to wear them while on the job. It will also provide masks and gloves to Shipt shoppers as they enter Target stores. (Target’s announcement comes on the same day that Lowe’s said it will limit store traffic and provide facial masks to employees; Amazon is also providing facial masks to employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.)  

The new measures follow other enhancements Target has made in recent weeks to encourage social distancing and promote store safety, including greatly enhanced cleaning routines and the installation of Plexiglass partitions at checklanes and other stations.

Target also is donating an additional 2 million KN95 respirator masks to the medical community. The donation is on top of Target’s previous donations of anti-viral and N95 respirator masks to first responders and healthcare professionals at more than 50 organizations across the country.