TEXAS — To prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Centers for Disease Control recommends avoiding being around crowds.

But many people need to go shopping for necessities, and it can be a big risk for the people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Senior citizens and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk.

To provide a safer shopping experience for people who are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, some stores have designated special shopping hours.

Walmart: People who are 60 and over can shop one hour before the stores open, each Tuesday.

Dollar General: The first hour of operations each day is dedicated to senior customers. The company doesn’t specify an age range.

Target: The first hour of each Wednesday is reserved for high-risk customers.

Albertsons (Randalls): 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. is reserved for high risk customers.

Whole Foods Market: Customers who are age 60 and over are allowed to shop one hour before the store opens to the public.