Seeking food is indeed an essential activity, so how can we do this the safest?
Don’t go...seriously consider, “Is this really necessary or can I make do with what I have and batch what’s on my list until next trip?” Next to not going, best to use the drive up pick up services. Skip ahead to number 7 if you do.
Batch your trip...plan to buy what you need for 2-3 weeks if at all possible. Don’t hoard, but limit the number of trips as much as possible. Use frozen items in addition to fresh to make supply last longer.
Go when and where it’s not crowded...if you have to pass a store and go to another one, do it.
Masks - given the shortage of masks needed by sick people, caregivers and medical personnel and the potential for them to increase your risk is mishandled, these are not recommended. Homemade masks, scarves, bandanas can provide some protection if you are in a place where you have to come within six feet of people. Just be sure not to touch them or your face!
Gloves - gloves only work if they are used for one contact/exposure and then discarded. Otherwise you are little germ collectors just like your hands and provide a false sense of reassurance that ends up with increased spread of germs. Better to treat your hands as contaminated when they are, don’t touch your face or unnecessary items and thoroughly wash your hands after.
Navigate the store like a well-choreographed dance. Make a list and get what you need as you go, being aware of what and who is around you. Avoid an aisle that is crowded and circle back if needed. The six foot rule applies even when in businesses that are essential.
Don’t touch other people’s stuff and don’t let people touch your stuff whenever possible. If stuff has been touched, consider it contaminated. Remember the “if you break it you buy it rule”? Now use the “if you touch it you buy it” if at all possible. Bring only what you need with you - perhaps two credit cards, your ID and a list in your pocket as opposed to a purse. Wipe down anything you need to touch and/or wipe your hands down after you touch it (example-wipe the grocery cart handle, do your shopping, wipe down your credits cards, sanitize hands when you leave).
When you get home...your home is your sanctuary so make it as safe as possible by not letting contaminated things beyond the entryway or have one place where you unload things that are contaminated. Have hand sanitizer by the door, all shoes come off at the door. Consider letting anything that doesn’t need refrigeration in the car for a few hours (virus dies on most surfaces in that time). Consider wiping down items that come into the house (plastic, glass, metal especially where the virus lives longer). Wash fresh produce. Wash your hands and the surfaces that “dirty” items came into contact with. Retrace your steps and clean your way backwards and leave any contaminated items in the garage/entryway. Consider changing clothes and/or showering when you are done (more due to potential contact with humans than contaminated food items).
Be well!
