The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused many lifestyle changes in communities across the world, including here in Wrangell. With social distancing and self-quarantining, many people are doing their part to keep the virus from spreading in Wrangell.
The city's grocery stores, City Market and Wrangell IGA, are also taking steps to lend a helping hand, and mitigate their own risks, during this time.
Jake Hale, with City Market, said he has heard from some community members about concerns of food shortages. This is not something to worry about, he said. Choices may become limited as time goes on, but this is beyond City Market's control. Manufacturers are focusing on their top selling items at this time, he said, so options could be limited. Running out of food, however, is not something to worry about at this time. Hale also added that they have not run out of toilet paper either.
"Food supplies have been doing pretty good," said Hale. "We're not going to run out of food."
As far as safety concerns go, Hale said that City Market employees are wearing gloves, and some are also choosing to wear masks while they work. Some employees had to leave, he said, because they live with elderly relatives and didn't want to put them at risk.
He said City Market will be closed on Sundays for the time being, to make sure there is adequate staff the rest of the week. Hale also added that for those who are concerned about visiting a grocery store during this time, City Market offers grocery deliveries. They have also recently instituted a "senior shopping day" for elderly residents, every Thursday morning from 8 to 10 a.m.
"We're going to get through this," he said. "We're in a lot better shape than cities in the lower 48."
Wrangell IGA has been facing some similar problems with their suppliers as City Market, according to owner Mike Ward. However, he said that their supply chain has largely corrected itself and their stores should be fully stocked with their usual groceries in the near future.
"It's been some interesting times here in the grocery business, and life in general," Ward said.
IGA is taking, or is currently considering, several options to ensure their customers and employees stay healthy. Ward said that he is keeping up with all state mandates and CDC guidelines. They are considering temporarily suspending deli service, he said, but this action has not been taken as of yet. They are also considering limiting the number of people they allow into their stores at the same time. Ward asked that the public please keep social distancing in mind while they shop, and to stay home if they have just arrived in town or are feeling sick.
Caroline Bangs, with IGA, said that the store offers deliveries six days a week. They have recently taped down arrows on the store's floor, to make their aisles one-way. This will help people maintain their six-foot distance from each other, she said. She also encouraged elderly residents to come in and shop during the first hour the store is open in the morning when the store is at its cleanest and usually its emptiest. IGA employees are constantly cleaning throughout the day, as well, added Travis Bangs, with IGA.
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