Target workers will now clean checkout lanes after every transaction and enact measures to encourage more social distancing in its stores.

As both employees and customers are on heightened alert about their risk of catching the virus, Target on Wednesday announced stepped-up safety measures to what it had already rolled out in recent weeks.

For one, the Minneapolis-based retailer said it will temporarily stop selling and packing items into reusable bags. If customers still want to use their own bags, they will be asked to pack their groceries themselves.

Target also will discontinue accepting returns for three weeks, while giving an extended return window afterward once that suspension is lifted, CEO Brian Cornell and other company officials said in a call with reporters.

And it will now have workers clean check lanes after each transaction (instead of once every 30 minutes), mark off where customers should stand 6 feet apart while waiting in line and ensure customers are social distancing elsewhere in the store.

Kavita Kumar • 612-673-4113