In recent weeks many businesses and retailers have had to make some tough decisions in response to the COVID-19 situation. We are living in unprecedented times where everyone will have to make adjustments to their daily lives to help protect the most vulnerable people in our population.

More than any other industry the retail sector has had to step up and adjust policies to provide critical supplies to consumers in need, and also to protect their workers who are on the front lines risking their own health to support their communities.

Many stores selling non-essential goods have made the difficult decision to shut down operations for a period of time to allow for social distancing measures to take place. Other stores that remain open are adjusting hours to allow for more cleaning, sanitation and stocking to occur.

Some stores are even offering special hours for older adults, pregnant women and those at higher risk for health complications to come shop in a more comfortable and less-crowded environment. Despite how dire the situation may feel at times it is also bringing people together in new ways.

Not in the physical sense, of course, but in the ways we are communicating and helping one another. The next time you head out shopping consider asking a family member or neighbor if you can get anything for them, especially if they are in a higher risk group. Also make sure to bring some extra patience and thank those store employees for their service during this time. We’re all in this together.

For a list of stores providing special hours see article here on USA Today.