Commissaries installing plexiglass panels in checkout lanes to add extra protection amid COVID-19 pandemic

Military commissaries worldwide are installing plexiglass sneeze shields in all regular checkout lanes to add extra protection for customers and cashiers during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Plexiglass shields are currently being installed and will be in all commissaries in the next several days. The plexiglass panels are 36 inches high and range in width from 24-30 inches. They will not be placed at self-checkout stands.

The panels are just one of many protective measures the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is implementing to follow the highest standards of the Department of Defense’s health protection in our stores, said Rear Adm. (ret.) Robert J. Bianchi, DOD special assistant for commissary operations.

“We at the Defense Commissary Agency want to reassure our valued customers and our dedicated employees that their health and welfare are our No. 1 concern,” Bianchi said. “At our commissaries we are wiping down checkout areas, restrooms and shopping carts with disinfectant, and practicing routine hand washing and other basic sanitation measures to avoid spreading germs.

“We’re also encouraging our employees to closely monitor their health and well-being, and asking them to stay home if they, or someone in their household, are sick.”

Preparing for and responding to emergencies is nothing new for DeCA, the admiral added. Over the years, commissaries have dealt with all manner of natural and manmade crises and continue to work with military leaders and industry suppliers to maintain delivery of the benefit.

“Please be assured that DeCA’s objective right now is to provide for you and your families with necessary goods and to make sure our stores remain safe and clean,” Bianchi said.

For more information about DeCA’s response to the coronavirus, go to the commissary website.