Publix to close stores at 8 p.m. starting Saturday

ATLANTA — Publix grocery stores announced Friday night that they will be closing at 8 p.m. company-wide starting Saturday.

The company said the move will "give our store teams time to conduct additional preventive sanitation and restock product on shelves.”

The move also includes their pharmacies.

RELATED STORIES:

• Coronavirus cases in Georgia up to 42; state creates site for reporting numbers
• CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA: What’s happening today
• Lines snaking through local grocery stores; state leaders urge shoppers not to rush out

Channel 2 Action News video showed lines snaking through a Kroger store in Gwinnett County as late as 1 a.m. Stores were packed that late and into the early morning hours.

But Gov. Brian Kemp and his office are urging people to remain calm and not empty out the stores.

“I would tell people going to the grocery stores not to panic. You can wait a couple of days. Let the supply chain work and you’re going to be just fine,” Kemp said.

Some stores are limiting the quantity of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes that customers can buy.

© 2020 Cox Media Group