Staying Safe When Shopping During Corona Epidemic

With a new virus declared a pandemic several might be still figuring out how to maintain the required guidelines while shopping for groceries or other essentials in India

During the Coronavirus pandemic situation, most countries around the world have announced a complete lockdown and strictly advise their citizens to practice social distancing and avoid crowding. Staying home is the safest thing one can do this time. However, certain essential items will be needed such as grocery shops or pharmacies but at a bare minimum. Maintaining certain safety standards while shopping for essential products can help in preventing any unnecessary risks of infection and help people stay protected.

Here are some important coronavirus tips to keep safe when shopping for essentials during COVID-19:

1. Plan Ahead

A good way to start is to prepare a list of essentials at the beginning of the month. The list should comprise what is needed from the grocery store, pharmacy or other important items. This can help people to avoid any re-visits and also not over the shop. It’s also important to plan when an individual is going to the store. Try to schedule the visits during non-peak hours to avoid as much crowd as possible.

2. Wear a Face Mask

Always wear a mask after stepping out of the house. It is very important to cover your mouth and protect yourself from catching or spreading any disease.

3. Carry Your Own Bag

As a preventive measure, people may also choose to carry their own carry bag. Before carrying, do not forget to sanitize them. For personal safety, it is better to carry a personal sanitizer as it may not be possible for many people to wash their hands on the go all the time. Also, sanitize the cart before using it. Clean the handle of the cart or basket with a sanitizer or disinfectant before touching them.

4. Going Alone

To maintain Social Distancing it is easier if you travel alone and not tag along with others as this will put pressure on the system being followed in public spaces. Do not leave in groups or pairs since it can become difficult in maintaining a long queue due to Social Distancing.

5. Maintaining Physical Distancing

Droplets or discharges from the mouth or nose released through a cough or a sneeze may contain the virus which can travel up to 2 meters. Ensure you maintain 6 feet distance from other shoppers. Stand in the queue and wait for your turn. If you feel someone is standing closer to them then they can politely ask them to move back.

6. Buy Only What Is Needed

Do not rush to buy what is not really required. There might be others who need them and hoarding food items will lead to a disturbance in the demand and supply of goods.

7. Consider Carrying Your Own Disinfectants

While this approach might not be necessary, you may carry disinfectants like an alcohol-based sanitizers as a precautionary measure. It might not be possible to wash your hands all the time when shopping, hence, a hand sanitizer can be easier to disinfect your hands.

8. Opt For Non-Touch Payment Option

There are various payment options available nowadays, such as Phone-Pay, Google Pay, Paytm, and many more for the sake of people’s comfort and safety. People can opt for these options instead of handing out cash and exchanging currencies. This will help to reduce the spread of germs.

9. Avoid Going Out If Someone is at High Risk

If an individual has a higher chance of infection from COVID-19, then they are advised to stay at home. This includes old aged people, especially those over 60, or people having heart or lung diseases and diabetes. It is better if they have someone else who can do the shopping for them. This is not only important for their health but for others also.

10. Wash Your Hands or Use a Sanitizer After Touching Any Surface

You all must have heard this being said a lot all around but it’s a very crucial guideline to follow. Make sure to be aware of any high-touch surface and remember to wash hands thoroughly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer right after that.

Here are the absolute times when you should be washing your hands:

• After coming home from outside
• Before unpacking the items you bought
• After sneezing or coughing, in case an individual hasn’t used a tissue
• After touching a high-touch surface

11. Sanitize the Products After Buying

After unpacking all the items, wash them with warm or hot water, and sanitize them properly. Do not use it without sanitization. People can use disinfecting wipes also.

12. Download the Aarogya Setu Application

Download the Aarogya Setu app before stepping out. The National Informatics Centre has launched this application to track information on Covid-19. This can help track your movement activities and alert if a person is at low, moderate or high risk.