Coronavirus: Grocery stores make changes, take precautions amid COVID-19 pandemic

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At a Von's in Culver City, signs say all sales are final, no returns, due to circumstances created by COVID-19.

While many stores are getting some staples like bread back on the shelves more readily available, certain products such as toilet paper, paper towels, and some canned goods are still hard to come by.

Many stores are now placing limits on items in high demand.

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To help ease the problem, the City of Manhattan Beach just passed an anti-hoarding ordinance. These include essential goods such as: hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, canned food, frozen food and other needed supplies.

The City also says it's following CDC guidelines to adopt social distancing requirements of 6 feet for residents, businesses and visitors to try to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Social distancing is already in practice at area grocery stores.

"We are following guidance from federal, state and local agencies, including the CDC and other health agencies" said Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO.

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At Ralph's, stores added measures the installation of plexiglass partitions at cash registers to go in starting later this week.

"We began activating our preparedness plan several weeks ago, and we continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation," said McMullen.

In Manhattan Beach, the penalties for not following the new rules under the ordinance could mean six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Its not clear what constitutes hoarding or how it will be enforced. ABC7 reached out to the City for clarification and have yet to hear back.