Ways to Keep Safe While Running Essential Errands
By: Adam Chappel
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), social distancing is vital right now as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19. One of the most important things, the CDC points out, is to avoid shopping if you’re sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. This sounds pretty straightforward, however, on April 3, 2020, WESH 2 News Station published breaking news article where the heads of Seminole County were forced to make an executive order that required anyone who has tested positive for the virus to stay home or face penalties after the county learned that people who tested positive for the virus had been leaving quarantine and traveling around the county running errands.
This brings up an important point, some of the individuals you see while running your errands could quite possibly be positive with the virus. Leaving the house to run errands and get fresh air are essential tasks that help keep you healthy and sane, but it also sets you on a collision course with other people outside your household and a gathering of germs. Below are some helpful tips I picked up from various sources listed in the reference section, when and if, you must travel from the safety of your home to run essential errands.
Order online for delivery or curbside pickup when available. You can limit your exposure by asking the delivery person to leave the groceries outside your door. In an article for good housekeeping, Dr. Chris J. Wiant, MPH, Ph.D., Chair of the Water Quality and Health Council said, “If contactless delivery of groceries or meals is available , opt for it. It’s possible that either you or your delivery person is a carrier of the COVID-19 virus so it’s best to keep contact to a minimum.”
One important tip is to plan the timing and execution of your errands. If you’re planning on going to the store make a plan and stick to it. Think ahead so your family can minimize trips outside your home so you can limit exposure to you and your loved ones. You can do this by finishing shopping quickly, sticking to your list, and by avoiding window shopping.
Another way to limit exposure is to visit stores when they are not crowded by going the hours when fewer people will be at the store (i.e. early morning or late night). If you are a higher risk for severe illness find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk.
Bring protective gear which include mouth/face coverings, sanitizing wipes, sanitizing solution, etc. When you arrive at the store try and disinfect the shopping cart, use wipes if available. While shopping avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Remember to not touch items unless you are going to buy them. Also, wear face/mouth coverings if available. This limits exposure both for you and other shoppers.
Stay six feet away from other shoppers and if you see a friend, smile or wave, but don’t stop for a chat.Try to use touchless payments methods and always disinfect your hands immediately after touching credit card keypads or exchanging cash.
One important thing to remember while shopping is that being prepared does not mean stockpiling or hoarding groceries. Also, don’t forget to be a good neighbor to high-risk people. Check with them before you shop so you can grab their essentials while you are out for yours. This is a time to show your fellow neighbors we are united during such a troublesome time.
When you arrive home, wash your hands and disinfect your items by wiping all non-porous items with a disinfectant and don’t forget to wipe all surfaces that your bags touch after throwing them away. Now is not the time to reuse plastic or paper bags.
At home, follow food safety guidelines: clean , separate, cook, chill. Wash your hands frequently and if you were kind enough to pick up essential items for a high risk neighbor, make sure you take extra precautions with those items and don’t exchange those items in person. Leave them at their door after a thorough wipe down with disinfectant wipes.
I found these tips to be a helpful, easy way to try and make any trip out, a safe one.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Running Essential Errands www.cdc.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Running Essential Errands www.cdc.gov/
Merrill Foto News: Social Distancing is Critical to Slowing the Spread of COVID-19, April 1, 2020, www.merrilfotonews.com/2020/
Good House Keeping: Is it Safe to Go to the Grocery Store? How to Shop Safely During the Coronavirus Outbreak, April 6, 2020, By. Adele Jackson-Gibson, www.goodhousekeeping.com/
Yahoo LIfe: Here’s How You Can Safely Run Errands While Protecting Yourself From COVID-19, According to Experts, April 7, 2020, By: Samanth Brodsky, www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/going-
9 Health: Advice From a doctor: Coronavirus Do’s and Dont’s, April 3, 2020, By: Stephanie Carlson, www.9healthfair.org/blog/
Wesh 2 News: Seminole County: People Positive For Coronavirus Have Been Leaving Home, April 3, 2020, www.wesh.com/article/seminole-
