When you go grocery shopping in this age, you’re not just getting exposed to consumer goods – you’re also getting exposed to a host of ways that COVID-19 can spread to you, and to your family. After seeing people shop for months and months during this pandemic, the Grocery Store Insider has more than a few tips on grocery shopping safely during COVID-19
WEAR YOUR MASK
It’s currently the best defense against the virus. When you enter the store, you’ll be in a public place with many other members of the public, breathing in the particles they exhale if neither of you wear that mask.
USE A SANITIZED CART
This is to help maintain social distancing. It’s simple, makes your trip easier, and doesn’t cost you anything.
SANITIZE YOUR HANDS UPON ENTRY
Any germs on your steering wheel? I bet there are. Sanitize your hands on the way in to help keep the store free of any dangerous microbes.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONAL ARROWS ON THE FLOOR
If you can’t do this, remember that children CAN. Are you a grown adult that is incapable of something simple like following arrows like a child can? I didn’t think so.
Directional arrows are on the floor to help you achieve this next point:
KEEP A DISTANCE FROM OTHER SHOPPERS
You never know who may be required to be under quarantine and yet, are still out shopping anyway. Ask yourself how badly you want this virus, how badly you’d like to give it to your loved ones, and how badly you’d like someone near and dear to you to end up in the hospital.
KEEP A DISTANCE FROM THE STAFF
If you can’t keep a distance from them, think of everyone else that just couldn’t keep a distance from them either. Six feet of space is all they ask. Let them finish restocking anything they are restocking from a safe distance, and you’ll have that precious bunch of bananas in no time.
RESIST THE URGE TO TOUCH MERCHANDISE YOU DON’T PLAN ON BUYING
When a product is on the shelf, that’s one touch – from the person who put it there. If you take it off the shelf and put it back, that’s now three touches because a third person will touch it when they buy it. If you pick up a product and abandon it elsewhere, that’s now four touches: the person who put it on the shelf, you, who abandoned it, the employee who put it back, and the next customer to pick it up. Just leave stuff where it is, and it helps everyone stay safer.
MAKE AND BRING A SHOPPING LIST
Sometimes, shopping safely during COVID-19 means shopping less often. Reduce your time shopping by ensuring you have a complete list that will last you for several days.
USE CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS WHEN POSSIBLE
For many, cash is king when it comes to payments, but if you give the cashier one less thing to touch, that is one less contact and one less way to spread the virus.
SANITIZE YOUR HANDS UPON EXIT
Because you may as well.
