Several state lawmakers are urging the state government to establish “preferential” hours for over 60s to visit supermarkets during the current Covid-19 contingency.
Under the Jalisco government’s “emergency button” regulations – in force until February 16 – seniors are prohibited from entering supermarkets. Many outlets have posted signs warning over 60s that they will not be permitted to enter. Security guards unable to determine the age of customers now routinely ask for identification before allowing them to enter. It is common in Guadalajara to see elderly citizens having to wait outside supermarket entrances while employees attend to their orders.
“Not allowing seniors into supermarket and some pharmacies and other stores is discriminatory,” said PRI legislator Sofia Garcia Mosqueda, one of the chief promoters of the idea. “We understand they are the most vulnerable group but not everyone has someone to care for them.”
Earlier in the pandemic, many supermarkets reserved access in the early morning hours for elderly persons and adults with children. The lawmakers say the state government should now mandate this requirement.