By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
With changes being made daily and at times even multiple times per day relating to the Coronavirus pandemic, those listed on the essential business list as set forth by Governor Jim Justice are having to make accommodations.
Pharmacist Kristen White of Preston Taylor II Pharmacy in Thomas said, “We haven’t really been having a hard time getting anything.” All physician ordered medications have been either in stock or able to be ordered in during this time. Hours are remaining the same, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday 8 am. Until 12:30 p.m. while closed from noon until 1 p.m. for lunch, and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. and closing from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. for lunch.
Kathy Nichols, Pharmacist with Community Car Pharmacy in Parsons stated, “Things have calmed down this week.” While hand sanitizer, thermometers, and Lysol are still not in stock and difficult to get, other items are being delivered on their regular schedule. The pharmacy is continuing to offer and encourage home delivery and have begun offering curb side pickup, asking for customers to call before heading to the facility so someone can be ready to meet them at their vehicle. Hours have remained the same, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Kayla Wood said there have been no major changes at their store . All medications are in stock or easily ordered, however hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and thermometers are also out of stock. Walgreens hours have also remained the same, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Parsons Shop N’ Save Manager Greg Burner stated their inventory is still scarce on paper products. They are still receiving two trucks per week, however freight is limited. Limits have been set on some products in attempt to ensure customers can get what they need. The store hours have changed from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. with the request the first hour be dedicated to senior citizens and the handicap. “We’re not turning anyone away, however we are promoting it to be for those individuals to give those folks an opportunity to shop,” said Burner. Cleaning multiple times throughout the day has continued and has even become more intense since last week. Burner explained this is why the store is closing two hours earlier in the evenings to offer the end of that shift to be dedicated solely to disinfecting. Davis Shop N’ Save did not comment at this time.
Mt. Top in Thomas has noticed a slowdown in business; however, a majority of the business continues to come from out of state customers. Crystal Shoemaker stated, “We’re still cleaning, even more often now.” She stated that some inventory has been rearranged to discourage being handled frequently by customers, but rather offer them to select their item to be handed by an employee. Self serve coffee and cappuccino machines are still available for use, however the staff is watching for each time they are used to follow up with disinfecting. Hours have changed slightly, operating 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
According to a press release provided by Garet Bishop, Chief Financial Officer of BFS, their company is working diligently to navigate the changes being made due to COVID-19. Their executive teams are following CDC guidelines and taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons.
Jim’s All Star in Bretz was happy to report on the grocery side of sales, things have seemed to calm down and return to normal. Hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, disinfectants, and similar products are still out of stock and unable to be ordered as of yet. “The only thing we’ve changed is we are closing an hour earlier,” stated Jimmy Propst. Cleaning and disinfecting multiple times a day has become the new normal for him and his employees as they continue to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons.
James Snyder stated “The Tucker County Health Department and Tucker County Office of Emergency Management continue to work with all county partners for a coordinated response to this situation. To date, no new cases have been reported in Tucker County. Tests are being conducted on residents that meet testing criteria and CDC protocol is being followed with everyone that has been tested to reduce risk of potential spread of possible illness.” He continued, “This is the time for us to do what we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones and all our neighbors. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 and no antiviral medication to treat COVID-19.” Snyder recommends complying with the stay at home order, avoiding unnecessary travel, maintain social distancing, continuing to thoroughly wash your hands, and avoid touching your face. For the most up to date information and facts relating to COVID-19, please visit www.CDC.gov or www.TuckerHealthWV.com You can also call the Tucker County Health Department at 304-478-3572 or the DHHR COVID-19 information hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-887-4304.
