March 17, 2020; last update at 4 p.m March 18

Starting Wednesday, Hy-Vee is adopting new hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

“These shortened hours will allow employees additional time to clean and sanitize all areas of the store as well as restock the items in highest demand,” the company said in a news release. “Operating with shorter hours also will allow employees additional time to cared for their families and loved ones.”

Convenience stores will continue to operate with their usual hours.

All dining areas have been closed in stores, restaurants and C-stores.

“This is an unprecedented situation for all of us. We’ve never dealt with anything like this before, and we know our customers haven’t either. We appreciate their patience and loyalty as we navigate these changing times,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “We are committed to doing all we can to keep our customers and employees healthy and safe, and to being the helpful smile in every aisle that is needed during this time.”

On March 18, the company announced it is adding a reserved shopping hour from 7 to 8 a.m. daily for those 60 and older, expectant mothers and anyone with a underlying health condition that makes them susceptible to serious illness.

Pharmacies in most Hy-Vee locations will open earlier so that they can serve customers at that time, the company said in a statement.

With increased demand for online shopping, Hy-Vee and other grocery stores are urging customers to allow extra time when requesting grocery pickup and delivery.

Hy-Vee sent an email to its Aisles Online customers in which it said it’s working to open up more time slots to pick up groceries. Customers will receive an email when their order is ready.

“We also are seeing larger than normal demand in certain categories both in store and online, which may cause certain products to appear available when shopping online but out of stock when your order is filled,” it said. “Please know we are replenishing our stock daily in an attempt to meet your needs.”

Employees are being reassigned to meet demands inside the stores and fill curbside orders, so Hy-Vee is “leveraging third parties for all delivery orders,” it said. “We are working with these partners on safe delivery practices and will communicate any customer orders to them for delivery preferences.”

In Tuesday’s news release, Hy-Vee asked customers to refrain from using the service if they are healthy.

“During this very unusual time, Hy-Vee is asking customers who are able to do so to shop in stores so that the available Hy-Vee Aisles Online time slots can be used for those who are unable to shop for themselves or have been advised by health care professionals to limit their public exposure.”

Walmart’s grocery app has seen a more than 200 percent increase in daily downloads since the COVID-19 outbreak. The retailer is showing pickup and delivery in Sioux Falls has about a 24-hour wait.

Fareway doesn’t offer online ordering and delivery but is adjusting hours as of March 18 for more vulnerable shoppers. Those 65 and older as well as those living with a serious chronic medical condition or underlying medical condition can shop from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The store will close at 7 p.m. to allow for extra cleaning and restocking.

Target also is experiencing strong demand for pickup and delivery.

“As demand for cleaning products, medicine, pantry stock-up items and more remains high, we’re sending more products to our stores as quickly as possible,” chairman and CEO Brian Cornell said.

The store will reserve the first hour of shopping every Wednesday for vulnerable shoppers beginning March 18 and will close at 9 p.m. so employees can clean and restock.