How safe am I when I go to the grocery store?
How safe am I when I go to the grocery store?
Since the risk of infection depends on the level of exposure and the duration of exposure, running errands is a relatively safe experience. You won’t be in stores for a long period of time while shopping, and as long as you wear a mask, practice social distancing, and sanitize your hands before and after leaving, you’re risk of exposure is low.
But here are some tips to further reduce your risk:
- Shop infrequently. Plan your trips and needs so that you are only going shopping every one or two weeks.
- Have a list so you aren’t wandering around the store, but instead going in and out to get what you need.
- Go shopping at times when the stores are less crowded. Many stores are limiting the number of people allowed in at a time, so follow that guidance so you’re not left standing outside in line waiting to get in.
- Be aware of the times set aside for older and vulnerable people to shop, and don’t go during those times if you don’t have to.
- Pay by credit card if possible, reducing the exchange of cash increases the risk of exposing others.
- Know the stores rules around using your own bags before you go.
- Practice social distancing
- Only touch what you’re going to buy
- Wait your turn
- Be patient, everyone is getting used to this and doing their best
- If you aren’t comfortable or others aren’t practicing social distancing, leave and come back another time.
- Try to consolidate your trips to one store. Going to multiple stores increases your exposure and cross contamination.
- Use curbside pick up if possible.
- Don’t leave wipes, gloves, or other garbage in the cart of on the ground.