The coronavirus pandemic has left everyone in a constant state of panic. People are either sweating about the lack of supplies or the lack of toilet paper in the departmental store. But, do you even realise that the store that you are shopping around could be a potential bearer of the coronavirus.
Hundreds and thousands of people come in and out of the departmental store every day. Given the fact that the virus does have a longer incubation period, it is likely that you might be infected but shows no symptoms. In such cases, you enhance the risks of transmission.
So, grocery shopping is something you need to be very alert about. There are a few readiness tips that we would love to share with you that can help minimise the risks of the virus contraction for you.
Be prepared
When you need to go grocery shopping, the one thing that you absolutely can’t take for granted is a list. Thinking the items on the top of your head and thinking that you will pick up anything that you see is completely foolishness.
If you want things to go smoothly, it is necessary that you do keep an eye out on the items that you need in your house and need to stock up on. Having a list ensures that you can plan things accordingly. This also does come in handy especially when you are trying to stock up for a few weeks. Don’t panic buy but at the same time, ensure that you have enough to last you a week or two to reduce the grocery visits.
Sanitise
When you are going for grocery shopping to a local departmental store, it is very important that you sanitise the cart that you will get the vegetables in. Remember that this is important. Carry a sanitiser or rubbing alcohol with you and sanitise the entire cart.
You never know who took the cart before you, so it is always better that you sanitise it to reduce the risks of contraction. Additionally, you can also carry some gloves with you, if you find the extra need but sanitising the cart is more than enough.
Maintain distance
We know it is necessary to go get groceries, which is why we won’t stop you from doing that but ensure that you maintain 1-2 m distance with other people while in there. This helps prevent any transmission and keeps you safe.
While checking out, make sure that you maintain that distance instead of going all up against the person in front of you. You don’t know the person in front of you and you don’t know where they have been, so it is your responsibility to practice caution.
Keep them in the garage
If you stay in a house with a garage, experts suggest that you keep all your bought groceries in the garage for 3 days or even outside on the porch for a few days before you get it inside. This allows to destroy the virus before you take it inside.
Another trick is to bring the item and run it under the water and wash it with some non-toxic soap to get rid of the possible risks of virus. Doing this with all the perishables and non-perishables help keep you safe from the virus.
Wipe down the counter
Wiping the counter before and after the cleaning of the groceries is important. You need to keep the surface clean before to ensure the least transmission and you need to keep the same clean after to ensure that there are no possible trace of the virus left behind on the counter.
You don’t have to use anything fancy, just a regular surface cleaner is more than enough to keep you safe from the possible risks.
Be mindful
When it comes to buying groceries, you need to be mindful throughout the process. While several people do have the priviledge to buy in bulk and not worry about the surge in prices, there are people who don’t have that luxury.
As a citizen, it is important that you think of everyone and yourself during these times of crisis and don’t panic buy. Buy just what you need and what you think will be sufficient for you and your family. Don’t overdo the same. Leave things for others.
By Somapika Dutta
