Tips for Grocery Shopping During the Coronavirus Pandemic

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, even the most mundane household chores have been turned upside down. Grocery shopping, which was once a rather leisurely weekly activity, has now become an infrequent outing that must be planned with extreme amounts of tact. Grocery stores are among the few businesses that have remained open during the pandemic, though their operations have changed greatly as a result. Safety precautions must be closely monitored during bi-weekly grocery runs to reduce the risk of contamination among shoppers. This guide explores several personal safety tips for grocery shopping during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Organize your shopping list

One of the most important tips for grocery shopping during the Coronavirus pandemic is to get in and get out of the store as quickly as possible. Organizing your shopping list ahead of time can help you do just that. Many grocery stores now require shoppers to move in one direction throughout the store. Much like a one-way street, aisles now boast large arrows which instruct the shopper which direction they should move. This can throw off the routine for many shoppers, causing them to spend more time in the store. Organizing your list ahead of time will provide you a clearer idea of what you need to purchase and where to find those items. Try to organize the list according to the structure of the store itself. This will help you locate items more quickly and you will be able to leave the store and return home much faster.

Opt for pre-packaged products

Opting for pre-packaged food items may not seem like a big change to some, but it can play a large role in reducing contamination. Product packaging plays many parts in the food industry, the most important being that it serves as the first line of defense against tampering and contamination. Food products that are packaged in a durable container are much less likely to be contaminated by other grocery store employees or other shoppers. In an effort to further reduce contamination, many food manufacturers have altered their operations to package items in more durable containers. Food which is packaged in this manner has not been touched by other humans throughout its entire journey from the manufacturing facility to retail shelves. The risk of contamination is therefore much lower than that of items without a protective packaging. Items that are packaged in this manner are also much easier to clean and sanitize after purchase.

Fly solo

Making a solo excursion to the grocery store can significantly help reduce the spread of COVID-19 among your family members. The fewer people who enter the store, the less chances there are for the virus to spread. This is particularly important for parents of children with special needs, or for those with high-risk family members. Flying solo will also help you get in and out of the store much quicker, allowing you to reduce the amount of time spent in contact with others. Be sure to practice proper personal safety measures during your solo excursion to the grocery store. Wear a face mask and wash your hands before and after entering the store. It is also recommended that you clean your grocery cart or basket with a sanitary wipe before and after use.