Six ways to shop safely in the era of Covid-19

During lockdown heading to the store for food and essential supplies is the only time many people leave their homes.

But prepping for the trip can feel overwhelming.

Should you wipe down that carton of milk and each individual piece of fruit?

What’s the safest way to pay?

You may wonder if the cloth, non-medical face coverings government insists you wear in public is enough to keep you safe when you shop for food.

Groceries and pharmacies are public places where it can be difficult to practice social distancing.

The most vehement piece of advice every professional is saying right now is this: If you’re sick or symptomatic, do not go to the grocery store.

And if you are over 65 or at high risk – maybe you have an underlying heart or lung condition, or are immuno-compromised – you should also stay home if you can.

1. Shop wisely

Be discerning about which stores you visit and how many – the fewer the better.

Check out what your store is doing to protect both customers and workers.

Most grocery stores and pharmacies have wipes and hand sanitizer stations at the entrance ensuring you sanitize before entering.

Additional measures include: limiting the number of people in the store at one time, tape on floors to help customers keep their distance at checkout lines and protective screens at checkout points to protect the customer and the cashiers from potential contamination.

2. Dress for success

Never leave your house without your mask, avoid touching your face and wash your hands when you get home.

3. Keep your distance

It’s probably not feasible to keep a two metre radius at all times in a grocery store, but try for at least one metre as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“The majority of respiratory droplets we produce while breathing and talking fall to the ground – and onto our hands – within a few feet from us, so even a little bit of distance helps,” says the WHO.

4. The early bird gets the worm

The expert advice is to shop early. Most stores are closing early now to restock and sanitize at night.

Try to shop early when stores are cleanest and shelves are full, or shop at off-peak hours when stores are less crowded.

5. Take life a week at a time

Limit your trips to the store.

Most people do not have the freezer space to stock up on two weeks of groceries (and the veggies start to look sad in week two anyway).

But try to get enough food so you do not have to shop more than once a week.

Every time you leave the house you risk exposure to the virus so you want to limit this as much as possible.

6. Delivery for the win!

Skip steps one to five and get your groceries delivered.

Also read: How to: Get your groceries delivered in Ballito during lockdown

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