Take a few precautions to shop safely for food
ATLANTA — As more cases of coronavirus continue to be reported, families still need to eat.
Here are some precautions you can take to shop for food and necessities as safely as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Shop during off-hours and not every day
In addition to avoiding multiple trips within a week, shop at low-traffic times. The less people around in a confined space, such as a grocery store, the easier it is to practice social distancing and remain the recommended 6 feet apart from others. Wave or nod to greet people, rather than hugging or shaking hands.
Wipe down surfaces
Use the disinfectants listed by the Environmental Protection Agency to wipe down and disinfect surfaces that outside materials — including food and grocery packaging — have been on in your home. This is particularly the case if you think you may have been around people showing signs of respiratory illness or who have been exposed to the virus, according to Consumer Reports.
Wipe down carts and your hands with a disinfectant wipe or spray during and after shopping.
Avoid unnecessarily touching items
If you don’t think you will need an item, avoid touching it — or multiple packages of an item when browsing for groceries.
Gloves are not of much use when it comes to prevention, as they will contaminate other surfaces and items if you touch a contaminated product.
Pay with cards or mobile pay
Rather than cash, pay with cards — or with your phone, such as with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another digital wallet, and avoid taking the receipt if you don’t need it.