How to Protect Yourself During Grocery Shopping Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic

Amidst the ongoing pandemic, it's crucial to follow best practices to ensure your safety while grocery shopping. This article will provide you with comprehensive guidance on choosing the best time and place to shop, staying safe in the store, and finding alternative ways to stock up on essential supplies.

Choosing the Best Time and Place to Shop

1. Visit your grocery store during off-peak hours if possible. Typically, a grocery store is busiest on weekends and late afternoons or early evenings on weekdays. Try visiting the store in the morning around lunchtime or late at night. This strategy is particularly effective during the coronavirus outbreak when many people are off work.

2. Check for special shopping hours for elderly or high-risk shoppers. Many stores have set aside special times, usually early in the morning, for older shoppers or those at higher risk due to underlying health conditions. By taking advantage of these hours, you can shop in a cleaner environment with better stock availability.

3. Avoid going out if you're sick or living with someone who is. Follow guidelines for social distancing and remain at home if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms to prevent spreading the virus. If you must purchase essentials, consider having items delivered to your home.

4. Opt for less-crowded stores if possible. Drive slightly further to find a store with fewer customers, especially in densely populated areas. This strategy not only minimizes your risk but also ensures that goods are more likely to be available.

5. Minimize your trips to the store. Plan your meals for at least a week ahead and make a comprehensive list. This approach not only helps with organization but also reduces the frequency of your visits, thereby minimizing your exposure.

6. Go to the store by yourself whenever possible. This minimizes the risk of bringing the virus into your household. If you need to take others, ensure they understand the importance of personal hygiene and social distancing measures.

Staying Safe in the Store

1. Cleanse your hands with soap and water before and after shopping. This practice ensures that you start and end your shopping trip with clean hands, reducing the risk of spreading germs.

2. Wear a mask when leaving your home to protect both yourself and others. Make your own mask using fabric you have at home.

3. Use sanitizing wipes to clean the handles of your shopping cart. Ensure that the product label specifies the dwell time needed for disinfection.

4. Maintain a 6-foot distance from other shoppers. This helps prevent the spread of the virus while you shop.

5. Avoid touching anything unnecessary. Limit your contact with surfaces to reduce the risk of picking up and spreading germs.

6. Sanitize your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer before entering the store and after leaving. This practice helps keep your hands clean throughout your shopping trip.

7. Refrain from touching your face. This is crucial since the transmission of germs often occurs via the eyes, nose, and mouth.

8. Use a contactless payment method whenever possible. This reduces the risk of spreading germs through transactions.

9. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds after unpacking groceries. This practice ensures that you don't bring germs into your home.

Finding Alternative Ways to Shop

1. Try curbside pickup. Many big-box stores offer this service, allowing you to order groceries online and have them brought to your designated spot.

2. Use grocery delivery services to have items brought directly to your doorstep. Third-party services like Shipt or Instacart can be a convenient option.

3. Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for fresh produce. This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures regular deliveries during a supply chain disruption.

4. Order from local wholesalers. Check social media or ask friends and family if any restaurant suppliers in your area are selling products. Some restaurants are offering bulk items at cost to help local communities.

By following these guidelines, you can stay safe and minimize the spread of the coronavirus while still being able to obtain the essential items you need. Stay informed and stay safe.