The elderly have emerged as a vulnerable category throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and younger age groups have been urged to physically distance themselves from them for their protection.
Moreover, the public buying-panic that ensued from the pandemic hasn’t helped the seniors make their shopping among the rushing crowd.
To help them out make their grocery shopping safely, most supermarkets in the world have started offering opening hours exclusively for them.
In Lebanon, so far, there are three supermarkets that have adjusted their hours to afford the elders the must of social distancing stressed by professionals.
#1 Spinneys supermarket
Starting March 19th, allocates the time between 8:00 and 9:00 am exclusive to elderly and pregnant women. This is offered at all branches, Tripoli, Byblos, Beirut, Sidon, Tyre and others all over Lebanon.
#2 Goodies
Goodies, on March 17th, also specified shopping hours for the elderly exclusively from 7:00 to 8:30 am on Verdun Street, Beirut.
#3 Le Charcutier
Le Charcutier, on March 18, requested from their customers to shop after 9:00 am. From 8:00 to 9:00 their doors open for the elderly and pregnant. They are offering this service at all their branches in Chiyah, Antelias, Fanar, Naccash, Jbeil, and Beit Mery.
As we are pending of more supermarkets in Lebanon to do the same, enacting compassion for elderly shoppers by keeping them safe from unneeded exposure, we remind our readers of Beit El Baraka:
#4 Beit El-Baraka
Beit El Baraka’s supermarket is free of charge for retirees who cannot afford to provide for themselves in Lebanon. This NGO offers food, and also shelter and medicine to more than 350 families of Lebanese retirees living in strong financial distress.
They are located in Karm El Zeitoun, Sheikh El Ghabi Street.