#BlackFriday: Six ways to shop safely during Covid-19

Despite having moved from lockdown level 5 to 1, many people may still dread the idea of going shopping during a pandemic.

Prepping for the trip can feel overwhelming – should you wipe down that carton of milk and each individual piece of fruit?

You may wonder if a facemask is enough to keep you safe when you shop, especially when social distancing is not easy.

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

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 is probably not feasible to keep a two metre radius at all times in a busy 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. 

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 2 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 1 to 5 and get your groceries and Black Friday deals delivered!