Most countries are on lockdown right now, Pakistan is no different. In the majority of the country, people are only allowed to go out for essential shopping groceries and medical supplies. The fact of the matter is, coronavirus is transferred the most from person to person than from any surface or other means. So, this makes shopping actually very complicated.
Thank God, though, many supermarkets are using supermarket delivery service now so you can just place your order online or through a call and wait for the delivery guy to deliver it to you on your doorstep. However, if you still feel like you need to go and shop the groceries yourself, at least once a month or when the authorities allow you, here are the rules you are required to follow in order to protect yourself and others:
Avoid Crowded Stores and Shop Quickly:
As we have learnt that coronavirus is spread most rapidly through community, so this is what you need to avoid. You need to avoid going to a store that is crowded. If there’s a line, make sure that you stand at least 6 feet away from the person in front of you. You also should keep in mind that you aren’t at the store to shop leisurely, at your own time or for fun. Make haste while shopping. The best practice is to bring a list with you and buy items according to it. If you can’t find something on the list, then ask the storekeeper, rather than wasting time going from aisle to aisle again and gain.
Take All The Necessary Precautions:
They say precaution is better than cure. So, whenever you are going out, make sure to wear a proper face mask, gloves and wash your hands before leaving the house as well as after coming back. If you can, take a shower when you get home from your shopping trip! While you are at the supermarket, make sure to stand 2-3 feet away from the counter while making payments and don’t touch any unnecessary surfaces. It’s wise to keep a disinfectant wipes in your pocket and clean the handle of the trolley with it before using it.
Use Credit Card
Can you imagine the number of people that must’ve touched the cash the cashier is about to give you back as change? Why take the chance of coming in contact with something that has a high probability of carrying the virus? The best practice is to use your credit/debit card for payment, so you don’t have to touch cash notes at all. These are challenging times and thus require you to take every measure you possibly can.
Shop Alone
If you can, then you should shop alone. It is understandable for single parents to take their kids or for patients who can’t be left at home alone to come for shopping, but those who are healthy need to shop alone. When you shop alone, you will find that you will save a lot of time, as there are no two opinions involved in anything. This will also reduce the number of people at a store so everyone can shop quickly. Social distancing can also be practised if there are less number of people present under one roof. Plus, it also reduces the number of people who are exposed to the potential threat of COVID-19. Make smart choices while shopping!
Disinfect the Items You’ve Bought:
Yes, it sounds like a long, tiresome task, but you should value your health above all else. If this doesn’t convince you, then do it for the household members that you love! Whenever you bring in grocery items to your house, disinfect each and every one of them since research says that the coronavirus germs can be present on surfaces!
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