Venezuela has tried multiple strategies to keep its economy open while it fights the COVID-19 pandemic. The country tried strict quarantine….then a one week on one week off system for businesses….and now a new food shopping system to try to reduce cases in the country's COVID-19 hotspots.

Regulations require large supermarkets to make sure shoppers wear masks, to take shoppers' temperatures, and to check their ID's before allowing them inside on their assigned days.

The new ID shopping rule is set to last for thirty days….for now..and so far, it applies only to Miranda state---the second most populous state in Venezuela, which includes parts of the Caracas metropolitan area. It's been hit hard by the pandemic. 

The regulation is for shops that sell essential items...although pharmacies are excepted. It's meant to keep people from crowding the markets, by limiting the number of days they can shop each week. The idea is to buy everything you need but to go to the store less frequently.

But many Caracas residents say they’re accustomed to shopping just about every day, and they find the restrictions impractical. 

CGTN's Mary Triny Mena reports.