Mask? Check. Gloves? Check. Shopping list?
+ Yes! Hopefully, you've created a shopping list before going to the market. This helps reduce the amount of time you spend at the store. For some foods, your list may need to be more general, depending on the market you go to or the town you live in. For example, listing "fruits" might be more useful than listing a specific type of fruit since some fruits may be temporarily unavailable.
+ Organize your list according to the layout of the store. This prevents you from needing to run back and forth throughout the store.
+ Aim to buy up to 2 weeks worth of groceries. This prevents food waste, temporary shortages, and creating unnecessary demand.
+ Try to shop alone if circumstances permit. Bringing more family members will contribute to more crowding in the aisles, which will slow down traffic throughout the store. The less time you spend at the store, the better since the simple fact of being at the store is likely one of the greatest risks of grocery shopping during a pandemic.
+ Check your store's website to see if they offer special hours for seniors or other high-risk individuals to shop. Some stores may even offer delivery or pick-up services for seniors and high-risk individuals.
+ You can benefit from disinfecting your cart or basket handles as soon as you get to the store.
+ Shop with your eyes. Limit touching every product you are considering until you are sure you want to claim it into your cart or basket. For example, avoid touching any produce with obvious bruises or spots.
+ If possible, bag your own groceries to reduce the number of people that touch your food items. This also helps you socially distance.
+ Finally, be alert when using payment machines since they likely have been touched by many others. If possible, santize or avoid touching the surface by using a glove.
Food Safety Concerns during the COVID-19 Pandemic
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging. It is believed that the virus spreads from person-to-person through close contact or respiratory droplets, for instance when a person coughs or sneezes. However, it may be possible for viruses to survive on surfaces and objects, reinforcing the need to observe proper hygiene and food safety practices.
When ordering takeout or having food delivered practice social distancing, maintaining a distance of six feet, whenever possible. Proper food safety practices should always be implemented while preparing foods. This includes frequently washing hands with soap and water and washing surfaces and utensils with hot soapy water after each use.
Regular handwashing, along with routine cleaning and disinfecting, especially all frequently touched surfaces, remain the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Get more tips on accepting deliveries and takeout orders from the CDC.