ALBANY COUNTY — The grocery-store workers who stock the shelves, staff the deli counter, and work the registers are now heroes in the frontlines, keeping residents fed as most of society has shut down and people are hunkered in their homes.

Mona Golub, vice president of public relations and consumer affairs for Price Chopper/Market 32, called the supermarket workers “teammates” as she described their work during Saturday morning’s county press briefing.

She lauded their selfless dedication as they “keep the food supply flowing through our stores.”

Golub, whose family owns the supermarket chain, stressed, “The food supply is not in jeopardy.” She also said, “Health and safety is our top priority.”

Golub said a typical market will have 20,000 items. Some products, like toilet paper, wipes, and isopropyl alcohol, have been slower to be replaced than others. She noted, though, that there is still plenty of soap available and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that washing with soap and water is still the most effective.

“We put limits on high-end demand items,” Golub said. She also said, “If we are respectful of one another, there is plenty to go around.”

Price Chopper has followed ever-changing CDC guidelines as it works with local, state, and federal officials, she said. Workers, for example, wash or sanitize their hands regularly rather than wearing gloves because the surface of gloves can carry the virus, she said.

“We will adapt as we have to,” said Golub. For example, she noted, the CDC originally said to reserve masks for health-care workers. “We’ve always allowed our teammates who wish to, to do so,” she said.

The market constantly disinfects touched surfaces, from cart handles to touch machines, she said. Stores are closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to allow for deep cleaning and replenishing shelves.

The hour from 6 to 7 a.m. is reserved for seniors and people with other health issues to shop. Since the stores have just been cleaned, that hour provides the “lowest-risk environment,” said Golub.

Bottle redemption has been temporarily suspended and plastic bags are being used again. Customers who bring in reusable bags pack them themselves, Golub said.

Customers are asked to stay “two carts apart,” to follow the six-foot guideline. Alternating registers are open, also to observe social distancing, and plexi-glass shields have been installed.

Price Chopper is encouraging single shoppers from a household rather than entire families shopping together.

Price Chopper is working with not-for-profits “to take care of those in need,” Golub said.

Customers and teammates are told that, if they are not feeling well, they should stay home and consult with a medical provider, Golub said.

She concluded by praising the “selflessness of those on the frontlines.”