Grocery stores are not only an essential service. Most people are finding
themselves food shopping more often due to restaurant closures across
the country. So what are some tips for approaching grocery shopping in
ways that protect your health? Read our tips for shopping during a pandemic below:
Limit Your Visits
If you can shop for a week or two at a time, limiting your exposure to
public places is smart. Otherwise, go with purpose and not to browse.
Go Alone
While it may be tempting to use the trip as an excuse for the family to
get out of the house, having one person go to the store is best. That
way, you are limiting your family’s exposure and protecting the
other shoppers from anything your family might pass on.
Leave Your Phone in the Car
If you can’t leave your phone in your car, leave it in your purse
or pocket and resist the urge to use it again until you’ve gone
home and thoroughly washed your hands.
Make a Paper List
Making a list will help expedite your trip and having that list on paper
means you can throw it away before you leave the store.
Take Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Most stores are wiping down carts for their customers, but it never hurts
to have an extra disinfectant wipe on hand. You can use one on the cart,
but also, use one on your steering wheel after you leave the store. Additionally,
if you have hand sanitizer, use it before and after going in the store.
Distance Yourself
There is the temptation to form close lines or squeeze through a crowded
food aisle. Resist the urge! The most common way a virus passes from person
to person is in close proximity. So use the six-feet social distancing
rule when in line. If you need to go down a crowded aisle, wait until
the other shoppers move on.
Do Not Touch Your Face
Your hands will touch lots of things at the grocery store: produce, packaging,
bags and the cart. So resist the urge to touch your face.
Wash Your Hands
The best way to stop the spread of any disease is by washing your hands
well and often. A full 20 seconds is recommended and will help protect
your home and family from any germs you may have encountered on your shopping trip.
Learn more about COVID-19 on our website:
https://www.caromonthealth.org/COVID-19.aspx