NATIONWIDE - Walmart has started limiting the number of shoppers allowed in its stores in an effort to promote social distancing in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting Saturday, stores are allowing no more than 5 customers for every 1,000 square feet at a given time.

That is roughly 20% of a store's capacity.

The retail giant says while most of its stores have two entrances, stores will use only one which in most cases will be the grocery entrance.

Customers will be admitted inside, one-by-one, and counted.

Once a store reaches capacity, customers will be admitted on a one person-out, one-person in basis.

Target stores also started  limiting customers on Saturday.