Grocery shopping can be a stressful task. Remembering what’s on the grocery list is tough enough. Now, you must face an invisible threat every time you take a trip to the grocery store. While you can’t make the threat go away altogether, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and slow the spread of germs. Here are 4 ways to ensure your trip to the grocery store is as safe as possible.
1. Clean Your Cart or Basket
The first thing you should do when you get to the grocery store is to clean your shopping cart or basket. Today, most stores provide disinfecting wipes for customers to use. They are usually conveniently placed next to the shopping carts. Just in case your store does not have complimentary wipes, keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or your own disinfecting wipes with you at all times. Doing so will help you maintain germ-free hands for the duration of your shopping trip.
2. Keep Your Distance
You’ve heard it before, but keeping your distance from others is an important key to slowing the spread of germs. Because viruses can be transferred from person to person through the air, maintaining a distance of six feet or more from other people can give germs a chance to fall to the ground before they get to you. Respecting personal space can bring peace of mind, both to you and the people around you.
3. Sanitize and Wash Your Hands
Be sure to sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer periodically throughout the store, after checkout and after placing the groceries in your car. When you return home, wash your hands as soon as you enter, and again after unpacking your groceries. Frequent hand washing is vital to the prevention of illness.
4. Wear a Face Mask
Wearing a face mask is primarily intended to protect other people from the germs you may have. Likewise, other people who wear masks are protecting you from their potential germs. You can make your own cloth face mask or purchase one that is already made. Cloth masks should be washed with warm water and laundry detergent after every use. Masks are not a substitute for social distancing, so don’t forget that step!
Grocery shopping may be tough nowadays, but you can still get the food your family needs safely. Following the steps above when you take your next trip to the grocery store can give you peace of mind as you protect yourself and those around you.
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