Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Shoppers Drug Mart is thoughtfully adding an extra hour dedicated exclusively to seniors and customers with disabilities.

On Monday, the Canadian retail pharmacy chain announced that the first hour of each day would be dedicated to "customers who need assistance or consideration."

1/2 Starting this week, Shoppers Drug Mart is dedicating the first opening hour of shopping at our stores to our customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities.

— Shoppers Drug Mart (@ShopprsDrugMart) March 17, 2020

Shoppers Drug Mart will also be offering a discount to seniors who shop during the additional hour.

2/2 We encourage you to check with your local store to confirm operating hours. Shoppers Drug Mart will also offer the 20% Seniors Day discount on regular priced items for the first hour each day every day. This is in addition to Seniors Days each Thursday.

— Shoppers Drug Mart (@ShopprsDrugMart) March 17, 2020

The decision comes as Canadians continue to clean out shelves in large stores. Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, thermometers, masks and soap are often the first items to fly off the shelves.

By adding an extra hour, vulnerable customers will have exclusive access to these items before the store opens to the general public.

Seniors will also reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 by shopping when the store is less busy, since social distancing remains one of the best ways to slow the spread of the virus.