At grocery stores and other shops across the state and the nation, it’s anything but business as usual amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorities are pushing a safety message that could mean the difference between life and death for shoppers. They are urging them to stay 6 feet away from other customers.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER - Cases in the tri-state area
TESTING SITES: A list of coronavirus testing sites in the tri-state area

Gala Foods owner Alex Pena commended state and local officials for keeping prices down across his 24 stores.

"I know there's a lot of suppliers that are raising their prices tremendously, but we just have to work with the society, work with the community and do the best we can to keep prices low," he says.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says keeping confidence high will require everybody working together.

"Our nation is in survival mode and people need to do their part when they shop. The federal government needs to do its part by keeping those groceries flowing and the supply chain working," says the senator.

Health officials urging people who feel sick to stay clear of crowded places like grocery stores.