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The coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented responses at both local and global levels. All across the globe, communities are trying to limit the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and sheltering in place. This week the state of Vermont took it one step further—prohibiting Target and other large retailers from selling non-essential items.
Retailers like Target, who sells items other than food and pharmaceuticals, were asked to stop non-essential items to help curb people from coming out of self-isolation prematurely. Vermont is allowing many retailers to remain open through the shelter in place order, but it’s a harder line against stores that sell luxury goods like electronics or clothes.
Target and other large retailers were asked to remove these items from the sales floor or close the aisles where they are sold. State officials are hoping this will dissuade customers from going out for them.
Non-essential items include beauty supplies, arts and crafts, clothes and electronics. However, restricting in-store sales of these items doesn’t mean you can not buy them. Target and other large retailers have been asked to stick to online orders, and offer delivery and curbside pick-up services.
Shopping restrictions vary from state to state and so far Vermont seems to be the only state to make such an order on a large scale. As the pandemic continues to grow, more cities and states will most likely follow Vermont’s example in order to curb the spread of the virus.
