Salisbury-based Food Lion among grocery stores

It is one step many companies are taking to protect their "essential workers as they remain open during the coronavirus outbreak.

Salisbury-based Food Lion told Channel 9 it is installing the guards at all registers and customer service counters.

Employees are allowed to wear masks and face shields

In addition, starting Monday, Food Lion will designate 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for customers who are 60 or older.

Publix also pans to add sneeze guards at its registers starting this weekend. Lowe’s already installed sneeze guards at its stores and Walmart added them at its pharmacies and Sam’s Club.