Society's Assets
COVID - 19 Information Page
Tips for Shopping during the Pandemic
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Here are some handy tips to keep you safe when you go shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, the best way to keep yourself safe is to wash and sanitize your hands, keep your hands away from your face, and stay at least 6 feet away from other shoppers and employees during your trip.
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The real danger is the other shoppers, not your stuff.
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You may be worried about getting the coronavirus from touching the boxes and cans on the shelves. Yes, the coronavirus can live on surfaces for a while, but that's not how you are likely to get it. The most dangerous part of going to the store is getting the virus from other shoppers.
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Avoid crowds and practice social distancing.
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Many stores are offering separate shopping times for elderly customers and people who are high risk. Try to go shopping when the store isn't as crowded. If the store is too packed, you may need to wait and go later. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people at all times while you're shopping. That's two shopping carts, or two arm's lengths, or the length of a twin bed. If you can reach all the way out, and they can reach all the way out, and your fingers wouldn't touch, you're far enough apart. If your fingers would touch, move farther away.
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This applies to the cashier and other service workers too. Keep your distance while paying or getting help from employees. They are exposed to hundreds of people a day, and not getting too close can help keep them safe too.
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Shop quickly.
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Get in, get your stuff, and get out quickly. Bring a list so you know what you're looking for. Don't spend time browsing or looking around. The more time you spend in the store, the more likely you are to get the virus.
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Go alone.
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If you are able to shop alone, do so. The more people you bring into the store, the more likely it is that someone will get the virus.
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Sanitize your hands and the cart.
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Many stores are sanitizing the carts throughout the day, but it's a good idea to do it yourself too if you can. Wash your hands before going in the store (in case you have the virus and don't know it), after leaving the store, and as soon as you get home. Bring disinfecting wipes for the cart handle, PIN pad, and other high-traffic surfaces you may need to touch in the store.
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Don't use your cell phone in the store.
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Your phone is an excellent way to get germs from your hands to your face. Most of us don't even think about it and use our phone automatically. Leave it in your pocket or purse. Do not touch your face during your shopping trip, until you've gotten home and washed your hands.
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Don't wear gloves unless you have to.
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Most experts warn us against using gloves because we tend to forget we have them on and then touch things like our phones, food, or doorknobs in our home. If you wear gloves to the store, the virus or other germs will get on the gloves. If you use those gloves to touch your wallet to pay, or to touch your phone, or your car steering wheel, the virus and germs are now on those surfaces too. Experts say to use good hand-washing and sanitizing techniques instead and pay attention to what you've touched already before touching something else.
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Wear a facemask.
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Facemasks will not protect you from the virus, but they help protect others in case you have the virus and don't know it. They reduce the amount of droplets that can come out of your nose and mouth when you're coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing. This way, if you have the virus, you won't spread it to others.
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Choose no-touch payment if you can.
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Try to avoid using cash, if you are able to. The PIN pad and card machines at the store are something that nearly everyone has to touch, so sanitize your hands before and after using it if you can. If you have one, use a pencil or other item to push the buttons instead of your finger. As with everything else at the store, remember to wash your hands carefully after paying before you touch your face, your phone, or anything else.
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You don't need to fully sanitize your groceries.
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There's a lot of information out there about sanitizing your groceries after you bring them home. Experts suggest that while the risk of getting the virus from your cereal box or canned food is there, it is a very small risk. Instead, experts say to put away your groceries then carefully and thoroughly wash your hands. Also, be sure to wipe down your counters and other surfaces your grocery bags may have rested on. Finally, wash your hands after preparing your food but before eating it.
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It can actually be dangerous to spray down your groceries and food products. Most cardboard and plastic used in food packages isn't going to protect the food from the harsh chemicals in the sprays and wipes. You may end up contaminating your food! Disinfect your counters and other hard surfaces, but don't do it to your food.
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Eat your fruits and veggies! There's no evidence that the virus is being transmitted on fresh produce. Do not use soap on your produce though, as ingesting soap can lead to all kind of nasty things for your body. Rinse your produce in fresh cold water or use a vegetable brush on tough skins. Fresh produce is great for your health and your mental health, so don't avoid it!
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Freezing and refrigerating does not kill the virus. It may actually help it live longer. However, the risk of getting the coronavirus from frozen food packaging is still very low. Again, simply throw away the package and wash your hands well after preparing your food, but before eating it, to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 from the food package.
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Depending on your household, shower and change clothes.
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Most people do not put their face and mouth all over their own clothes, so showering and changing after a shopping trip may not be necessary. But families with small children know that kids put their faces all over the place, so changing may be the best idea in that case. Also, if you live with someone who is high risk, showering and changing may be the right choice to prevent bringing the virus home with you on your person.
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Order online.
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Some grocery stores offer curbside pickup or even delivery to reduce your need to be in the store. Remember, your biggest danger comes from other shoppers, not the stuff. If you can order online and avoid the trip completely, you'll be much safer. However, please remember that the shoppers are taking on that risk for you, so tip generously if you can.
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