Grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic has been changed forever. But since food is a basic commodity, how to go about running essential errands during the coronavirus crisis?
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed there is higher risk of transmission in coronavirus three C’s. It refers to closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings. The supermarket belongs to any or all these categories.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States released information about this highly infectious disease. Similar to other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 quickly spreads from person-to-person. As of now, there is still no vaccine or cure.
This type of coronavirus is quite deceptive. There are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic coronavirus patients that may spread it. They can be ‘superspreaders’ even without manifesting any symptoms.
Severe COVID-19 cases are due to cytokine storms. This is the reason for the high fatality rate among the elderly and the immunocompromised.
Here are things you need to know so you can safely do your grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic.
Before Leaving the House
How to go about running essential errands during the coronavirus crisis?
First, accept the fact that the supermarket belongs to one of the coronavirus three C’s. Viral load is increased every time you’re out in a public place.
Second, it resulted in supply chain disruption and higher prices of basic goods. Social media showed empty shelves due to hoarding. There was no toilet paper, medicine, milk formula, and diapers in sight.
Because of this, there is an assigned shopping hour exclusively for the elderly and the more vulnerable populations.
Third, take advantage of online shopping. Avoid public spaces and stay at home. Choose home delivery services like Amazon or Alibaba.
You can also opt to use businesses which have designated pick-up zones or drop-off services. This will make grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic safer and easier.
1. Only one person must run errands or buy essential goods.
This is to lessen the risk of coronavirus transmission & spread in and out of home. You don’t want to test positive for COVID-19 and infect your loved ones.
2. Bring a shopping list.
This is to minimize the time spent in public places. It will also ensure you will only touch what is needed.
3. Wear a mask such as N95 respirator or a surgical mask.
There may be a lack of face masks and PPE due to hoarding. If you don’t have one, any cloth face covering or face shield will do.
4. Wear gloves.
This is to prevent touching contaminated surfaces. Dispose them properly afterwards.
5. Bring disinfecting wipes and alcohol-based sanitizer.
This is to clean cart handles and surfaces you might come in contact with. Put them away in its proper place after use.
Running essential errands during the coronavirus crisis is tough. Any public place like the supermarket or the shopping mall is one of the coronavirus three C’s. Always act with care and caution.
While Inside the Supermarket
Here’s the key to safe grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Always maintain safe social distancing of 6 feet from other shoppers.
Supermarkets and grocery stores have even set up lines and stuck visual markers on the floor. This is to help shoppers estimate the appropriate physical distancing from another customer.
2. Minimize contact as much as possible.
Avoid rush hours when stores are crowded. If not, steer clear from crowded lanes and other ‘used’ shopping carts.
3. Don’t remove your face or hand protection.
Avoid touching your face or your eyes. If you have to sneeze or cough, use a disposable tissue.
4. Let the sanitation worker assist you.
He or she can point you to the restroom or designated station where you can wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. They also provide hand sanitizer that contains at least 70 percent ethyl or isopropyl alcohol.
5. Make it a point to stay inside the store in the shortest time possible.
The more you stay inside a closed space or a crowded place, the higher the risk for coronavirus infection. This is through airborne transmission or droplet transmission.
You cannot avoid one of the coronavirus three C’s. This is why grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic can be a fraught experience.
Don’t resort to panic buying. Observe personal hygiene and public safety protocols. This is your contribution to avoid higher risk of community transmission or another COVID-19 outbreak.
After Getting Back Home
Grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic has turned a simple task into a nightmarish chore. This may be because you feel supermarkets meet the coronavirus three C’s. When you get back home, there are things you still have to do.
1. Prioritize food safety
Sanitize or disinfect food items before storing in the fridge or pantry. Wash fruit and vegetables before consumption. Do this within 24 hours.
2. Practice proper sanitation
Leave shoes at the door. Wash clothes right away. Throw away food packaging in the proper waste receptacle.
3. Take care of yourself.
Wash hands with soap and water. Some people would even take a quick shower after a visit from the supermarket, grocery store, or pharmacy.
Strengthen your immune system. Taking a Vitamin D supplement is one key to boosting your immunity. You need this when you’re running essential errands during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus Testing Near You
Grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic is hard. If unavoidable, wear a mask and practice physical distancing while out in public spaces.
If you want to make sure you can test negative from the coronavirus disease, this is where Statcare can help you.
Statcare is listed on New York City’s website as a leading testing facility. It has performed over 8,800 COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test to diagnose acute COVID-19 disease. Statcare also does COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test and the Rapid In-Office diagnostic test.
The results can be out in 10-15 minutes!
Statcare’s mobile staff have been performing on-site testing for large NYC businesses, nursing homes, and utility & telephone companies. It’s mobile testing pop-up clinic staff is also working to provide walk-through or drive-through COVID-19 testing services near airports and schools.
All test results are discussed by online doctors over a Televisit. Choose Statcare’s virtual doctor service.
Here, you can discuss your medical concerns from your home or office within the hour! If you need online prescriptions, these can be sent to a pharmacy near you.
Statcare services are readily available and easily accessible in eight NYC area locations. It can be found in the following:
Ø Hicksville, Long Island
Ø Astoria, Queens
Ø Jamaica, Queens
Ø Jackson Heights, Queens
Ø Brooklyn, NYC
Ø the Bronx at Bartow Avenue in Co-op City
Ø the Bronx at E. 174th Street
Ø Midtown Manhattan
You can safely do your grocery shopping during COVID-19 pandemic as long as you plan your visit. Know how to act while in any of the coronavirus three C’s. Book an appointment today.
