Shopping for Your Family during Coronavirus - How Have Our Habits Changed?

While we have the threat of COVID-19 surrounding us, make sure you are safe when shopping for your family by using our tips.

The events of 2020 have caused quite a shock. People on all continents are in constant fear of catching the coronavirus. It is safe to say that its intensity and seriousness took us all by surprise. Even the disbelievers in this virus are now starting to take this health threat seriously. Consequently, almost all segments of our daily lives are impacted by it. Thus, even simple errands, such as shopping for your family are becoming dangerous. Still, even during the pandemic, your family needs to have their essential needs covered so you don’t have an option but to shop. The good news is that there are ways and measures that you can practice when in need of a shopping session.

Changes that we will have to get used to during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Regardless of when the struggle with COVID-19 will end, there will be changes in our everyday living that we will have to get used to. For instance, changes in the workplace after coronavirus will be drastic. The same goes for shopping, living arrangements, and many other important aspects of our lives. Also, shopping for essentials and other items will be done in a different manner and with caution.

One change that we must make imminently is to stay home and do our shopping online instead of visiting stores and malls.

Safe shopping for your family during the COVID-19 pandemic

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we must point out one crucial point. Whether you want to go shopping for your family or anywhere else, if you feel any symptoms of coronavirus you shouldn’t leave your home. Of course, the only exception would be to visit a doctor for medical help. So, one of the best ways to stay safe and positive during the pandemic is to monitor your own health and to stay at home as much as possible. But, when there is a time that you must leave your home, here is how you can protect yourself.

General rules when on a shopping expedition

For starters, here are some basic and general rules that you should follow:
•    Stay isolated if you feel sick
•    If possible order online
•    Wear a mask especially when in a confined or closed place
•    Practice social distancing – keep the distance of at least 6 feet from others
•    Use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting any store
•    As soon as you arrive home, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds

Have fun while staying safe. There are masks with fun designs that you can purchase and wear on your next shopping spree

If you have a fever, a dry cough, the loss of smell or taste, or shortness of breath, it might be wise to stay home and monitor how you feel.

Start using curbside pickup if offered 

When shopping for your family you want to avoid going shopping in person as much as possible. Thus, use any alternative shopping means that you have at your disposal. These alternative shopping options differ from store to store. However, most of them will have alternate buying choices. This way you will avoid frequent interactions with others. So, try using drive-ups, pre-orders, or curbside shopping options. This is a great way to take precautions and keep yourself and your family members safe.

Wear a mask

Wearing a mask has a dual purpose. It mostly prevents your fluids from spreading in case you laugh, cough, sneeze, or anything similar. To a smaller extent, it also protects you from inhaling particles that contain the virus. There are many kinds of face masks. Some of them provide more concrete protection than others. Nevertheless, wearing any mask is much better than not wearing it at all. Especially when in a closed space.

Avoid peak hours in grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies

Once you start working avoiding peak hours while shopping will not be possible. Though, whenever you have a chance, do your best to visit stores during those times of the day when they are the least crowded. This way you will be certain that you had contact with a small number of people. At the moment, staying safe is all about social distancing.

Do your best to visit the supermarket very early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer shoppers in the store.

Always sanitize your shopping cart

While shopping for your family do your best to avoid touching surfaces that were touched by many before you. However, if you are going to the store to shop it is impossible to do so without a shopping cart. Who knows how many people before you have used them and touched their handle. That is why you must make it your business to clean the handle before you use them. In this case, sanitizing wipes are a great help.

Keep your distance when waiting in line

You will want to run out of the store as soon as possible. Many have serious forms of anxiety when leaving their house during the coronavirus pandemic. That is why people get distracted by the time they get to the line and wait for the cashier to ring them up. Stay focused and keep your distance. Make sure you are at least 6 feet apart from your fellow shoppers.

Buying non-essential items for your family

Food and pharmaceuticals are essential items that you and your family will need during the pandemic. Still, sooner or later, there will be a moment when you will need other items such as clothing, furniture, etc. When this happens, do all your shopping online. You know exactly what you need. Also, you know the size of clothes you all wear. There is no need to roam the mall or similar places that are crawling with germs and, potentially, coronavirus. For instance, if you need to buy shirts for your kids, there are plenty of T-shirts your kid will love to wear that can be purchased online.

Don’t ever let your guard down

This current situation is very stressful. There isn’t a moment where you can just take a breath and not worry about safety measures. However, keeping up with the safety recommendations at all times will be far less stressful than getting infected by the coronavirus. So, always be responsible when shopping for your family. Don’t take them with you if you decide to leave the house when you need to shop. Most importantly, be conscious of your hand hygiene and never touch your face with unwashed hands. This current health crisis will not last forever. However, while it does, the wellbeing of your family should always come first. Stay safe and healthy!

Images:
https://pixabay.com/photos/coronavirus-covid-medicine-pills-4932607/
https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-shopping-lifestyle-beautiful-3040029/
https://pixabay.com/photos/mouth-guard-masks-disease-5128890/
https://pixabay.com/photos/supermarket-stalls-coolers-market-949913/