Staying Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Grocery Shopping Tips

UTILIZE GROCERY DELIVERY or curbside service because this provides the least amount of contact with other people. If that service is not available, plan ahead and make a list. Know what you are going to buy before you get there. The less time you spend browsing, the better. Your biggest risk is the time you spend in the grocery store around potentially contagious people.

BRING YOUR OWN antibacterial wipes for your grocery cart in case the store is out. Wipe the handle generously and throw the wipe away.

ONLY TOUCH the food and items in the store that you plan to purchase.

DO NOT TOUCH your face during the shopping trip. Remember, once you start touching items in the store your hands are dirty. Studies have shown that the virus can live on cardboard, plastic and metal surfaces for a limited time.

DO NOT REST your hand on the deli counter or check-out counter.

STAY 6 FEET AWAY from other people. Avoid crowded aisles.

USE SELF CHECKOUT if it is available. Wipe the screen with an antibacterial wipe first. The least amount of contact with other people, including workers, the better.

DO NOT PICK UP magazines to read while standing in line. That is not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of people that come after you.

WHEN YOU GET HOME, wash your hands thoroughly.

PLACE YOUR BAGS on the floor.

WIPE YOUR COUNTER with disinfectant.

AS YOU REMOVE ITEMS from the bags, wipe boxes, cans, plastic with antibacterial wipes and place them on a clean counter. Do not get the disinfectant on food, like produce.

RINSE PRODUCE under clean water. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consumers should not wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap. These products are not approved or labeled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on foods. You could ingest residues from soap or detergent absorbed on the produce. REMEMBER TO WIPE your phone, wallet, purse, credit card or anything else you handled in the grocery store.

WASH YOUR HANDS again with soap and water for 20 seconds.