Going to the supermarket used to be a fun activity for most of us. Interacting with different people, looking for various products and buying things that you don’t really need was actually a refreshing experience.
However, in early 2020, the Covid-19 virus caught everyone by surprise and soon we were asked to stay home for an indefinite period. Simple tasks like stepping out of the house now felt like stepping on to a battlefield.
People even tried to avoid visiting supermarkets and instead chose to buy essential items online. Although this is a smart choice, we may eventually have to visit the grocery store for some or the other reason.
But you do not have to worry anymore as we have some useful tips for shopping during covid-19, that will allow you to have a safe, contactless and virus-free experience.
Plan Your Visit
As economies are slowly reopening, people are starting to step out of their houses more frequently. Even though this is a good thing, but it often leads to a situation where too many people are gathered at the same place.
So, the best thing you can do to avoid such crowds is to plan your visit beforehand. Also, going out for shopping on a weekday or during non-peak hours would be a much better option than stepping out on a weekend. And, more importantly don’t forget to…
It goes without saying that face masks have proved to our best shield against the coronavirus. Various studies have also recommended the regular use of face masks in public places. So, make sure that you buy a good face mask and wear it anytime you step out for shopping.
Maintain social distancing
Since, only a limited number of people are now allowed to enter a store at any given time, people usually have to wait in queues outside the store. This is where maintaining proper social distancing becomes very important.
Most of the times, stores will have floor markings to help people stand at a distance from each other. However, in case there are no floor markings, you need to ensure that there is enough distance between the people standing near you.
Take Care of Your Hands
Although we have been told about it time and again, some people still fail to clean their hands regularly. This may put them at risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to others as well.
Carry a hand sanitizer with you at all times and make sure that you use it on a regular basis. Also, you need to buy hand sanitizers that have good alcohol content and are easy to carry as well. Along with your hand sanitizer, you may also need to use…
The first thing that people look for in a supermarket is a cart or a basket. Since, other people may have used the same basket before you, you need to clean it properly before carrying it.
A disinfectant wipe can be helpful as you can easily clean the cart handle with it. Also, most disinfectant wipes are not reusable, which means that you can dispose them in a dustbin after cleaning your cart.
Make a List of Things You Need
You can now buy most of the essential items online. So, when you step out for shopping, make sure that you only buy those items that are not available online.
Make a list of these items before you go to the supermarket. This will allow you to know exactly what you need to buy and hence, it will help you finish shopping as quickly as possible.
Go For Digital Payments
Use debit/credit cards or any other digital wallet for your payments. They are easy to use and they also help you avoid any kind of physical contact with the cashier.
Avoid Shopping Regularly
That’s right. It goes without saying that we need to avoid crowded places as much as we can. So, instead of stepping out for shopping regularly, you can instead make it a once-in-a-week thing.
Appreciate the Staff
Although this is not exactly a shopping tip, you could still use this opportunity to appreciate the people working at the store. They are essentially putting their health and life at risk so that we can have a hassle-free shopping experience during Covid-19.
A small gesture like saying “Thank You” and being polite to them will surely make their day. Since, we all are going through a tough time, a little appreciation will make a lot of difference as we try to return back to the “normal times”.
So, these were some simple and easy tips that would help you stay safe and protected during your shopping trip. Taking these simple precautions will ensure your safety and will also protect others around you as well.
Read More About Covid-19:
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