One year after the plastic bag rule went into effect in Ulster County, Hannaford’s customers once again have a choice of “paper or plastic.”

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the grocery chain is relaxing the law requiring customers to bring their own shopping bag into the store. In fact, customers have the option of having a store associate do the bagging once again.

“Customers in New York who wish to use reusable bags are allowed to do so. We are asking these customers to please bag their own groceries during this time as a safety precaution for our associates,” said spokesperson Eric Blom. “ Plastic and paper bags are also available to customers and the 5 cent charge on those bags has been suspended.”