As coronavirus cases are starting to surface among grocery workers nationwide, Manteca stores selling food items have stepped up efforts to try and keep customers apart from workers the recommended six feet.

The effort includes having one customer at a time filter into individual checkouts from a common line to asking patrons at convenience stores to keep six feet from cashiers at counters. There has also been an uptick in grocery store workers wearing gloves

Nine more coronavirus cases were confirmed Tuesday to bring the overall count in San Joaquin County to 60 with two deaths including that of a Manteca woman.

Manteca officials are getting numerous inquiries about how to contact the Social Security now that the lobby to the office on Commerce Court has been closed due to the coronavirus. Social Security has provided a number that people can use to conduct business — 1-(866)-320-2987.

The city’s emergency command center has switched to virtual mode meaning personnel manning it have been scattered among various offices or are working from home to comply with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social distancing order.

The command center is operating daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The phone number for questions related to the coronavirus emergency is 456-8854 while the email is eocinfo@mantecagov.com

The City of Manteca is also maintaining a coronavirus update site on its website at ci.manteca.ca.us

Officials reminded residents Manteca Transit buses are still running but that they should be used for essential trips only. Seats, the interior windows, and grab bars are constantly being cleaned with disinfectant.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com