During this time of COVID-19, normal things are proving difficult. One of those things is grocery shopping. Here are some tips and tricks for when you have to head out to get supplies for you and your family.
Getting Groceries Delivered
• High-risk individuals should use a delivery service when possible.
• Order earlier than you usually do. Delivery times are filling up faster than usual.
• Avoid an in person hand off. Arrange for a “no-contact delivery” and tip electronically.
Here are a few suggestions for local delivery options:
• Instacart (Aldi, Kroger and CVS)
• Walmart Grocery – Delivery and pick-up available “we’re working to fulfill as many orders as possible. Check time slot availability before starting your order
• Kroger Click-List– Make sure that you order ahead of time and schedule a time!
When going to the store:
• Plan what you are going to buy to help minimize your time in the grocery store.
• Do not buy more than you and your family will need for two weeks.
• If you arrive and it appears really crowded, leave and return another time. Shop earlier if you must to avoid the rush.
• Be prepared to wait – many grocery stores are limiting the number of shoppers in the store at a time. Be sure to read and follow any signs and instructions that have been posted by grocery stores.
• Bring wipes – wipe down your cart and hands. Gloves won’t work – if you touch an infected surface with gloves you will only infect the next thing you touch.
• Use wipes to open freezer doors. Touch as few surfaces as possible.
• Commit to what you are buying before picking it up
• Don’t touch your face while shopping, and sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Keep a two-grocery-cart-space between yourself and other shoppers.
• Practice proper social/physical distancing, while waiting your turn at the register.
• Use plastic bags or bag your own food if you have brought reusable bags (some grocery stores
are requiring this).
• Try virtual payment system like Apple Pay (with your phone) so you don’t have to open your wallet at all.
• Sanitize your hand and your phone as soon as you reach the car with hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content).
• Wear a face mask, as recommended by the CDC.
So… how do I make a face mask?
The CDC has some wonderful recommendations on how to make an at-home face mask.
Cloth face coverings should—
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
Click HERE to see the CDC’s complete list of recommendations and how to make face masks with cloth, a t-shirt, and bandannas!
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