Publix, a Lakeland, Florida-based grocery chain, is rolling out contactless payment to all stores, including its organic GreenWise Market, as part of a strategy to protect customers and store employees from exposure to COVID-19.
Publix customers can use contactless credit or debit cards, the Publix mobile app and widely used mobile wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, according to a press release.
“In these unprecedented times, we recognize the need to make our customers trips to the stores faster and more efficient,” Todd Jones, CEO of Publix, said in the release. “By expediting this payment option, we will help customers reduce contact with commonly used surfaces like PIN pads.” 
The grocer, which has 1,242 stores across the southeast, has taken several other measures to reduce spread, including:
- Increased sanitation through regular and frequent cleaning of PIN pads, ATM terminals, door handles, carts and vending machines.
- Installation of plexiglass shields at cash registers, pharmacies and customer service locations.
- Reduced store hours for cleaning.
- Designated shopping hours for customers over age 65.
- Emergency pandemic pay for full and part-time workers diagnosed, quarantined or caring for COVID-19 people.
