SHOPPING

WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO MINIMIZE RISK WHEN SHOPPING AT THE GROCERY STORE?

• Use hand sanitizer when entering stores, and wash hands and/or use sanitizer after leaving.

• Wear a cloth face covering while shopping.

• Bring disinfecting wipes and use on cart and basket handles and card readers.

• Maintain social distancing as much as possible while shopping and give others at least 6 ft of space.

• Avoid touching surfaces or items unnecessarily and avoid touching your mouth, nose or face.

• Do not go shopping when showing symptoms or if you think you have been exposed to the virus.

WHAT IS MY GROCERY STORE DOING TO MINIMIZE MY RISK?

• Many stores are following CDC guidelines on cleaning and disinfection. Some are limiting hours to allow for additional cleaning and disinfection.

• Stores may also be providing hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes for carts or baskets, and may ask sick employees or customers to leave.

• Grocery employees are essential employees and encouraged to wear cloth face coverings.

• Stores may also limit the number of people allowed to shop at one time, and enforce physical distancing while in line inside and outside the store.

IS DELIVERY A SAFER OPTION THAN GOING TO THE STORE?

• Delivery or pre-order is a great risk management decision, especially for vulnerable individuals.

• Delivery helps limit the number of people in the store and helps with social distancing, as well as the number of people touching surfaces.

• Pre-order or delivery also prevents the shopper from inadvertently exposing others if they are infected but not showing symptoms.

HOW SHOULD PRODUCE BE HANDLED?

• Consider using hand sanitizer before and after selecting produce items.

• Avoid touching multiple produce items when making selections.

HANDLING GROCERIES

HOW SHOULD I HANDLE GROCERIES WHEN I GET HOME? CAN I BRING THEM INSIDE RIGHT AWAY?

• There is no indication that food or food packaging material has served in significant connection to virus transmission.

• Handling of food packaging should be followed with handwashing and/or using hand sanitizer.

• It is NOT recommended to store groceries outside of the home, in cars or garages.

HOW SHOULD I HANDLE GROCERIES FOR SOMEONE WHO IS IN A VULNERABLE POPULATION?

• If shopping for someone else, best practice is to drop off groceries while maintaining social distance.

• If entering a home to care for someone, wash hands immediately upon arrival, while unpacking and before providing direct care.

SHOULD PRODUCE BE WASHED BEFORE EATING? SHOULD SOAP OR A DISINFECTANT BE USED?

• Washing produce before eating is always a good idea. Rinse with cool running water or soak in cool water right before eating.

• It is NOT recommended to wash produce with dish soap or any detergent.

• It is NOT recommended to treat produce with chemical disinfectants or wipes at home.

SHOULD I ONLY BUY FOOD THAT CAN BE HEATED?

• There is no evidence that food is a transmission route for the virus.

• There is not current data about the temperature to inactivate the virus, so heating recommendations are not science-based.

TIPS

1. Use hand sanitizer and cart wipes.

2. Shop alone and go with a plan.

3. Maintain social distance.

4. Only touch what you will buy.

For more info, visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

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