Tips for Grocery Shopping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health authorities recommend leaving the house as little as possible during the pandemic, but if you are healthy and need to buy groceries, you must take some precautions while shopping in-store. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings such as groceries and pharmacies where it can be difficult to practice social distancing.

To reduce risks for you and your family, go shopping at a time that is less busy and have your list of groceries ready so you can shop quickly. Since the virus can live on surfaces for days, as soon as you enter the store and pick up the cart or shopping basket, assume that your hands are dirty and avoid touching your face. After leaving the store, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.

Here are some tips:

1. Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
2. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth in-store, and that includes scratching and touching your hair.
3. Use a debit or credit card. Avoid handling bills or coins.
4. Keep alcohol gel in your car. Put the groceries in the trunk, then open the car door and use the sanitizer to wipe your hands, the doorknob, and any other surface you have touched.
5. Whenever you get home from the street, leave your shoes outside or at the door and change your clothes. Do not walk around the house with clothes you’ve worn outside. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
6. Clean the groceries with a sanitizer with 70% alcohol. If you don’t have the product, use soap and water and dry the groceries before putting them away. If possible, bin outer food packaging and plastic bags.
7. If you buy fresh, unpackaged produce that may have been handled by another person, rub them under running water and let them dry. Note that there is no data to show that COVID-19 is spread by consuming food.
8. Don’t forget to disinfect your mobile phone, keys, and any other items you’ve touched while you were out shopping.
9. Wash your hands after you have cleaned and put away the groceries.

Remember that, if possible, the delivery option is less risky than a trip to the supermarket, as you avoid other consumers. But make sure to disinfect the card used to pay for the groceries and the packaging as well.