Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus while Grocery Shopping

During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to adopt specific measures to protect yourself while shopping for groceries. This article provides comprehensive guidance on selecting the best time and place to shop, maintaining personal safety in the store, and exploring alternative shopping methods to minimize exposure.

Choosing the Best Time and Place to Shop

To reduce your risk of contracting the coronavirus during grocery shopping, choose the most appropriate time and place. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Visit during off-peak hours: Stores tend to be busiest on weekends and in the late afternoon or early evenings. Opt to visit the store in the morning around lunchtime or late at night when fewer people are shopping. Alternatively, check if there are special shopping hours set aside for older individuals or those at higher risk. Avoid crowded times: If you arrive and find the store extremely crowded, consider returning at a later time. Some stores may limit the number of people entering, so this could alleviate your concerns about crowdedness. Stay at home if you are sick: If you or someone in your household is feeling unwell, stay at home and have groceries delivered. Many retailers now offer delivery services, including Amazon, Stop and Shop, Walmart, and third-party services like Shipt. Shoppers with less traffic: If possible, opt for stores with less foot traffic, such as off-the-beaten-path discount grocery stores in suburban areas. Minimize trips: Plan ahead and make a detailed list of everything you need. This can help you stock up for a week or more, reducing the frequency of trips to the store. Travel solo: Whenever possible, go shopping alone to minimize the risk of bringing germs home. If you must bring children, discuss the importance of personal hygiene with them beforehand.

Staying Safe in the Store

To minimize the risk of contracting the coronavirus in the store, follow these safety tips:

Clean your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after shopping. Sanitize your hands with hand sanitizer immediately upon entering and before leaving the store. Wear a mask: Wear a cloth mask when going out in public to help prevent the spread of the virus. Consider making your own mask using available materials. Sanitize the cart: If you use a shopping cart, wipe down the handles with sanitizing wipes or paper towels. Most sanitizers require time to sit on the surface to be effective. Respect social distancing: Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other shoppers and employees. This distance applies to both aisles and checkout lines. Limit touching: Try to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces and items. When browsing produce, examine items visually and choose directly instead of handling them. Wash your hands: Wash your hands immediately after leaving the store and when you get home, clean nonporous food containers with sanitizing wipes, and discard or recycle grocery bags.

Alternative Shopping Methods

For those who prefer not to go to the store, several alternative options are available:

Curbside pickup: Some stores offer curbside pickup, such as Walmart and Target, allowing you to order groceries online and have them delivered to your car. Delivery services: Use third-party delivery app services like Shipt, Instacart, or Walmart Grocery Delivery if delivery is available in your area. Extended delivery times may apply during the pandemic. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Join a CSA to receive weekly deliveries of fresh produce directly from local farms. Some CSAs also offer additional items like eggs or staple supplies. Local wholesalers: Check social media or local networks for wholesalers or restaurant suppliers selling to the public. They often offer curbside pickup and can be a cost-effective alternative for bulk purchases.

Adopting these strategies can help you maintain safety and well-being while still ensuring you have the essential supplies for your household during the coronavirus pandemic.