Grocery stores remain open during the coronavirus outbreak, and shopping safely is high on everyone’s list right now. Shelves may be empty where high-demand products were once stocked. Aisles may be crowded with worried shoppers. But grocers, cashiers, delivery truckers and more are going the extra mile to make sure we are fed. Protect them, yourself and your community. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands and don’t touch your face. Here are other ways to stay safe while grocery shopping.
Prepare your shopping list.
Having your list ready to go is a great way to make sure you get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as you can. Your list should be organized into sections like dairy, breads, condiments, (etc). By making your list in advance, you’ll also avoid the necessity of frequent trips for forgotten items. Remember, the No. 1 way to stop the spread of coronavirus: Stay home.
Call the store before you go.
Groceries been running out of essential items such as hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Don’t waste your time and leave home only to find empty shelves. Call in advance to ask whether the store has been able to stock high-demand products.
Leave the family at home.
Bring as few people as possible with you. Solo shopping goes a long way in maintaining social distances in a store that easily can be crowded.
Stay away from others.
Supermarket aisles may be narrow, but you still should make every effort to avoid people. Stay six feet away from others as it’s one of the best ways to avoid becoming infected. Wear a cotton mask and gloves if possible, and don’t touch your face.
Sanitize or avoid touching surfaces.
Take along your own bleach wipe to sanitize the grocery cart handle. If you must touch door handles, cover your hand with your sleeve or wear gloves. Handle items as little as possible. Select one apple without picking up other fruit you might not buy in the pile. Be sure to take your gloves off before getting in your car.
Leave your phone in your pocket.
If you use it to text or to look at a grocery list while in the store, you risk transmitting the virus from every store surface you touch to the phone. Bury the phone deep in your pocket or wipe it down once you get to your car.
Wash your hands when you get home.
Along with social distancing, the most vital action you can take to avoid becoming infected is to wash your hands upon arriving home. The virus can be transmitted from surfaces if you touch an infected surface, then touch your face. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling newly bought groceries. Wipe down any high-contact surfaces such as counters. The virus can live on certain surfaces for several days.
Order delivery.
Order groceries to be delivered to your home to limit your interaction in public. Give instructions to leave the groceries outside for contactless delivery. Many stores have set up tipping so that you can add it electronically without handing over cash or your credit card.