Beating The Coronavirus – Rules For Shopping In The Market That Can Save Your Life

With new guidelines, almost everything is unlocked like institutions, interstate travel, and the supermarkets. But that does not mean that the danger of corona is over. In times of the coronavirus pandemic, there are many new rules, recommendations, and regulations, which also apply for shopping in the supermarket.

The current statistics show that an ever higher number of people are reported to be infected. The number of infected patients especially in Delhi and Maharashtra is rising daily. The government knows and understands that if the businesses are kept closed any further, the damage to the economy, and ultimately people will be much higher.

That is why they are sending the message that we have to live with the coronavirus but protect ourselves from it. We can go back to work, shopping, colleges, or markets but we still need to do everything to stop the spread of the infection like wear masks and follow the social distancing.

Follow these instructions even while Shopping in the supermarket

In India, there are people everywhere. Pandemic or not, larger groups of people can mainly be found in markets and supermarkets. The risk of infection is correspondingly high there. You should heed the following rules and recommendations to protect yourself, your family, other customers, and staff. 

1. Follow Social Distancing – Shopping During Coronavirus Pandemic

With understanding, respect, patience, and mindfulness, the prescribed rules of a distance of 1.5 to 2 meters should be observed for everyone. This applies not only in the checkout area but also between the shelves in the aisles. Wait a moment and let the other customer in front of you make their purchase instead of getting too close in a hurry. With a little consideration, everyone can shop as low-risk as possible.

2. Masks and Gloves

The risk of infection escalates with a large number of people in closed rooms. It is common sense rather than a government-issued guideline, to wear masks or keep the nose and mouth covered at all times when outside. A mask that covers the mouth and nose does not completely prevent the risk of infection, but it certainly reduces the risk of droplet infection.

Both wearing face masks and putting on disposable gloves can make sense in times of Covid-19 to give you a sense of protection from the virus. The gloves may also prevent you from touching your face unconsciously. Excessive use of the gloves is however not advised.

3. Touching Shopping Cart

The handles of a shopping cart go through many hands and therefore the risk of infection is higher there. It is not yet clear whether the coronavirus can stay on this surface long enough to trigger the disease. Nevertheless, avoid touching your face when you have touched a shopping cart. Either sanitize immediately after or wash your hands thoroughly. 

4. Touching The Paper Receipt or Bill

The paper receipts from the deposit machine are made of thermal paper. They are warmed up during the printing process and are hygienic. You should avoid pinching the receipt between your lips as many people have a habit of doing, especially if the hands are not free. This not only serves your protection but also that of the cashier staff.

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5. Don’t Take Children Shopping – Shopping During Coronavirus Pandemic

In order to keep the number of customers in the shopping market as low as possible, it makes sense to shop alone. In many places, security can also deny you access to the store if you are going with the children. Try to leave your children at home.

If you still have to take your children with you, make sure that the little ones stay close to you because the smallest rule also applies to the smallest.

6. Buying Fruits And Vegetables

Think carefully beforehand about what you want to buy from the fruit and vegetable department and do not pick up goods and put them back later. This is especially true for foods without packaging materials. If different people touch the same goods, the shorter the time between, the higher the risk of infection with the coronavirus.

7. Shopping For High-Risk People and Patients

Shops and supermarkets usually would deliver the essentials to your home. If you are under high risk or a patient and it is necessary to go to the store, ask the security personnel outside for getting the stuff you need from inside.

Do not go inside even if you are wearing the mask and gloves because if you are already infected, there is a high probability that you might infect others. If you can’t do this, ask friends, acquaintances, or neighbours to go shopping for you.

8. Stocking Supplies

It makes sense to have a good stock of food that is appropriate to the number of people living in the household. It should not be overstocked though. Make a monthly shopping list but more than that is just out of fear. On the other hand, the accumulation of non-perishable goods does not work.

Don’t expect and shop as if there will be a food supply bottleneck, but everything necessary for life will continue to be available to us. 

9. Paying In Cash

Of course, you can pay in cash. Although in most shops it is now asked to refrain from doing so. Do not lick the notes to count them though. Firstly, it is unhygienic and then again it might spread the coronavirus. This is for your safety, that of everyone else who touches the notes afterwards.

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In case you can, always go for cashless payments or contactless payments. The less you come into contact with surfaces that are used a lot, the lower your risk of infection. In these cases, you can use your Debit card, credit card, or mobile phone as a means of payment.

Don’t be overly sure of yourself that you can’t get infected. Treat the guidelines like rules which might just help save your life from coronavirus and eradicate it.