How to Shop Safely for Essentials: Covid- 19 Safety Tips

We all know that shopping for our necessities during the Covid-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic can be stressful and scary at least for me it is. But what is most important is to stay calm and be prepared by practicing good habits and extra good hygiene and sanitation. Everything I share below is what I personally do to keep safe. To some it may seem a bit extreme but it is important to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Staying in quarantine is always top priority but every so often you will need to shop for your essentials and knowing how is key. We are all working hard to limit close contact with others as well as practicing good habits in order to slow down the spread of the Corona Virus.

Below I’ll be sharing what I do when I go shopping for essentials as well as a list of products you may be interested in and a guide on how to properly wash your hands.

Before Leaving your home

Stay Home. Leaving only if absolute necessary.
Consider other options before going out. Shop online, order delivery or curb-side pick-up.
There are plenty of apps and wonderful online stores such as Instacart or Amazon.
If possible, leave children at home.
Check on your elderly or high risk relatives and to make sure they have their necessities.
Have it delivered to them or deliver it for them.
If you are at higher risk, check if the store has special hours for you.
Coordinate with family, so one person does the shopping that week.
My family and I will have one person do the shopping for everyone else and deliver it to them.
Make your grocery list on paper
Put your phone away and refrain from touching it before washing your hands. Even with gloves on.
Prepare your form of payment in advance.
Take out the credit card or cash you plan on using and keep it handy. This will help you avoid touching your wallet while your hands are dirty.

While Shopping

Do NOT touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Wear a mask.
Test your mask in advance, spray through it. If the droplets go through your mask, it won't help you stay safe from recieving or spreading airborne germs. Create a protective layer and test again. One idea is to place a panty liner inside the mask.
Make sure your mask has several layers, fits snugged around your nose and against the sides of your face.
Wear gloves.
Make sure you avoid cross contamination. Don't touch anything you wouldn't touch while your hands are dirty such as your face, phone, wallet, etc. I personally don't even touch anything with my glove itself, I use the disinfectant wipe. If I do touch things, I treat my gloves like my own hands and wipe them clean after.
Wear eye-protection.
I constantly wear my glasses so that helps me but for those who don't wear glasses, can wear sunglasses or protection goggles, or a face shield.
Steer clear of crowds
Stand 6 ft away
Don't stand close to people while shopping and try to not walk pass people so closely either. While standing in line, give people space! If people aren't giving you space, tell them to back away.
Take your own disinfectant wipes in case they don't have any at the store. You'll also avoid crowds of people waiting for one.
Wipe down cart with disinfectant wipes before you use it and after
Refrain from touching items you aren't purchasing
Keep your personal belongings on you.
Don't place your purse down in the cart (you carry those germs around you after). I personally wear a fanny pack and don't even touch it while shopping as I prepare my money beforehand. If you can, leave your belongings at home or in the car in a safe hidden space.
Drink warm water often. This helps wash down the virus in the case you may have it lingering in your throat.

After Shopping

Immediately wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
Lysol the bottom of your shoes before getting into your car
Wipe down your steering wheel, knobs, buttons, door handles, keys etc
Take your shoes off before entering your home or leave them in a designated area by the door.
Shoes carry an enormous amount of germs around and theres no point in doing all of the above if you are going to carry all those germs into your home.
Wipe down all items with a disinfectant wipe before placing them away
Wash your hands and counter tops thoroughly when finished
Wash your face as well or shower after
Place dirty clothes in a dirty bin