Wegmans, in looking at the public's response to COVID-19, noted that shopping trends are mimicking what it sees leading up to a weather event. Customers are stocking up on paper products and a variety of food items, particularly those with a longer shelf life. Additionally, it's seeing an increase in e-commerce business and expects that demand will continue to grow.

Wegmans has a high-level team comprising employees from across the organization — formed 25 years ago — whose purpose is to ensure the safety of its employees, customers and products.  This team meets regularly, and when necessary, with external experts to review its contingency plans for a variety of different scenarios, including potential infectious disease outbreaks.

"If any of the areas in which we operate are impacted, know that we are prepared to respond accordingly," the company said in a statement. "As an ever-evolving topic, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust as necessary."

The company said it is increasing orders based on demand and is prepared to do so across all departments to ensure it can meet the needs of employees and customers.

"We’re seeing increased sales on items customers tend to stock up on during flu season, like hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial hand soap, and cleaning supplies," according to the company. "Availability of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and disposable gloves are limited; however, we continue to receive shipments of these items. Face masks are currently unavailable."

To help ensure the availability of high-demand items for all customers, the company is limiting the purchase of hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, alcohol wipes and prep pads, and hydrogen peroxide to three each per order.