How to buy groceries and food safely during the coronavirus pandemic

Though the Indian government has assured that there wouldn’t be any shortage in essential supply, people are worried to venture out to buy the grocery thinking of contracting coronavirus infection. At the same time with online supplies mostly disrupted, people are forced to go out to get their supplies.

Here are a few precautions you can take to prevent contracting coronavirus infection while essential shopping

6 Key Steps you must remember

Wear mask and carry Hand sanitizer with you
Shop from a list so you can move quickly
Do your best to practice social distancing within the store
Use hand sanitizer immediately when you leave the store (if you have some)
Clean your hands again when you get home (good to take a shower)
Minimize your shopping trips (maximum twice a week)

Check your own health status before venturing out of the house

Watch for symptoms in yourself and others in your household. If any of you have mild to severe respiratory illness with difficulty breathing, as well as fever and a cough, please do not leave the house. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed, self-quarantine. You could connect with the nearest health workers and they would help in arranging your food supplies.

“You can wash the virus off with just soap and water.”

What to do when you are out at the supermarket or pharmacy

Wear a long sleeve dress and use mask. Most importantly keep physical distance from other people. It’s advisable to clean the cart handle with sanitizer (just to be extra careful). Remember to keep the phone away till the shopping gets over and do not touch packages and ingredients unnecessarily if they are not on your list. It is advisable to get your own bags (wash them after each shopping). Use phone pays like google pay, Paytm as you can prevent using systems touched by others. Once you are out of the shop, immediately use a disinfectant.

Things to do after reaching home

After you reach home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. After unpacking your groceries, wash your hands again. Though experts have not specifically recommended washing packaging before storing, if it gives you peace of mind, go ahead and wipe down cans and boxes with soap and water or disinfectant. Clean your kitchen surfaces, such as countertops too.

Who should not grocery shop now?

If you look at this virus infection pattern, the elderly and people with lifestyle diseases and asthma are at higher risk. It is ideal for people in this group to stay at home.