Easter Sunday will look different this year. Not only will church buildings be closed in an effort to follow rules set by the CDC to flatten the curve of COVID-19, but major grocery store chains across the country will be closed this year to give hardworking employees on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak a much-needed break.
Trader Joe’s announced on its website that all of its stores will be closed on Sunday, April 12, “to give our incredible Crew Members a much needed day of rest.”
BJ’s Wholesale Club will also be closed on Sunday. “BJ’s like other retailers has decided to give employees a much needed day off,” the store announced on its website.
Other retailers such as Publix will also be closed on Sunday, per tradition.
“Our stores are closed three days each year, which includes Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Maria Brous, Publix’s communications director, told TODAY Food. “Historically, we have this time off in order to allow our associates an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. As we are in unprecedented times, we realize social distancing may change the way we celebrate, but we will remain closed for the holiday.”
Home improvement chain Lowe’s will also be closing its doors this Sunday. “Our ability to support communities with essential goods and services during this pandemic is thanks to our outstanding, dedicated associates,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO, in a statement. “We want to provide our teams with a much-deserved day off to spend Easter Sunday with their families and loved ones and recharge.”
But Easter Sunday is much more than just a day to recharge. It is a day to remember the greatest news ever heard: that Jesus Christ died to take the punishment for sin that we all deserved, and He rose again to conquer sin and death. This Sunday at 10 a.m. on Fox News Channel, watch as Franklin Graham delivers a message of hope from New York City’s Central Park, along with musical guest Michael W. Smith.
“With the #COVID19 pandemic, Easter this year may be unlike any other for you,” Franklin said on Twitter. “In a world that is afraid & hurting, I want to share the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!”
