Best Tips for Grocery Shopping During COVID-19

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I know it is a scary time to be outside, but it is a necessary thing when getting ESSENTIAL items (y’all better be staying y’all selves inside if not mhmkay). It is best to make these trips into stores as efficient and safe as possible. Here are the best tips for the next time you need to go grocery shopping during COVID-19.

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Make A List, Check It Twice

It is not safe to enter these stores with no plan in mind. You can’t peruse the aisles of Target with no idea of what you may be getting. Before you make that trip to the store, write out a list of all the things you need. Check in with the other people in your home as well and see if they need anything specific too. Once you enter the stores you know exactly what you are getting and will be in and out in no time!

Here’s an example of my family’s weekly shopping list.

(throw in some snacks and sweets and this is actually my shopping list lol)

Wear A Mask

Now when Ms. Rona first came around, it was suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that masks wouldn’t be really useful for you unless you are sick or caring for a sick person. But last Friday, the CDC said that people wearing masks may be beneficial.

It’s less about protecting yourself and more about protecting your neighbor. You may have COVID-19, be asymptomatic, and may have unknowingly spread the virus while grocery shopping. It does have the potential to protect you as well, in the case someone sneezes or coughs on you or in your vicinity.

With the shortage of masks needed for healthcare workers, many people have taken to creating their own masks. Down below is a video example of creating your own mask out of a bandana! Make sure the mask is fitting closely to your face and do not touch it once it has been worn out! Make sure once you’re done, take it off and wash it! Don’t put it in your purse, don’t just leave it on a counter, that’s just contaminating everything!

Disinfectant Wipes

I know these are scarce but if you can, bring these to wipe down the carts as you are shopping. Thankfully many stores provide these in the front before you grab a cart but just in case brig your own! If you have no access to any disinfectant wipes, you can always make your own following these steps from One Essential Community.

Social Distancing

I will repeat it as many times that I have to, STOP BREATHING ON PEOPLE’S NECKS. Keep those distances while you are shopping around. If you feel like you are too close you probably are. Social distancing was put in to place to help stop the spread, so please take a step back or 3.

Avoid Crowded Spaces

This does tie in with social distancing, as if you see the pasta aisle is a little packed, it would be best for you to just wait at a distance once the aisle clears up. But if you absolutely need that Rotini, please be in and out as quickly as possible.

Don’t Touch What You Are Not Buying

Again, this goes into the unnecessary spreading of germs. If it’s not on the list or something you’re 100% sure about, don’t possibly put yourself or others at risk for something you aren’t going to get.

You Don’t Need Gloves!

Unless you are washing your gloves after every time you touch something, it’s honestly just a waste of resources. Your gloves are getting just as contaminated as your hands would be. If gloves are an absolute must for your shopping trips, please dispose of them properly, meaning keep them away from the parking lot’s floor or your purse.

Do Not Touch Your Phone

This is something I have a habit of doing. While I’m out and about I’m always reaching for my phone, responding to a text or something of the sort and answering calls. This is only furthering the spread of germs. From your hand to your phone, from your phone to your face and well you get the picture. Try to keep your phone on Do Not Disturb and in your purse or pocket while you are out doing essential tasks and only use if you NEED to.

Use Self Checkout and Apply Pay/Google Wallet if Available

This is just another practice that can prevent the spread by limiting your human interactions. Touching your phone should only be a thing when it’s a necessity, like in this case. Using your phone instead of your card is more effective when wanting to not spread as many germs. You don’t have to search and reach for your wallet and touch things unnecessarily! If mobile payments are not an option for you, keep your card in a easy accessible place! And remember to wipe down that card too after use.

Use Hand Sanitizer Before Getting Into the Car

Once the groceries are safely in the car, take out your hand sanitizer (keep that in a easy accessible place too) and wipe your hands down. Then proceed to get in the car and going home. Be mindful to not touch your face during this time, you have not washed your hands yet!

Take Your Shoes Off At the Door and Don’t Sit Down in Your “Outside” Clothes

Now when you are bringing in your groceries, you have to be aware of the germs that have attached themselves to your clothing. To not track these germs all through your house, take you shoes right off as soon as you enter! And do not sit down on anything. Your clothes can be a carrier of outside germs and we wouldn’t want that on our couches right?

Sanitize Your Groceries

Before you put your groceries into the refrigerator or pantry, you need to wipe those down too. Not only have you touched them, but who knows the other people that have placed their germs on them as well. Take your disinfectant wipes and then place them wherever they belong.

Wipe Down Your Reusable Grocery Bags and Counter

Your bags and counters were JUST holding those germy groceries so they of course need to be sanitized as well for next use. You can use disinfectant wipes or a spray for easy cleaning!

Wash Those Hands!

I know you already know, but just in case, I had to let you know again. 20 seconds people! Make sure you’re getting all around the hand and under the fingernails. And moisturize after too because I know your hands are ashy after all that washing!

As you can see, the spreading of germs is literally that easy so please do your part in keeping yourself and others safe!

I hope these tips help you on your next grocery store trip during COVID-19. Let me know any tips I may have left out! How do you prepare for shopping during coronavirus?

Read how to keep your space cozy in quarantine with a few candles from some small businesses! Click here.

stay safe,

Aysia B.