Staying Safe While Getting Groceries
Sarah Limbert, RDN, LD, Retail Clinical Dietitian for Kroger Health based in Northern Cincinnati. Kroger is a national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative.
In a time where we are forced to stay apart, we find ourselves banding together. Even now, food can be the greatest connector, from family holiday dinners to happy hours all happening over video chat. Grocery shopping holds more gravity than ever. But fear of getting sick and how to stay protected can feel overwhelming. Here are some changes you’ll see in grocery stores, and how they are keeping you safe while you shop.
- Increased cleaning and disinfecting- Many retailers have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols that includes cleaning commonly used areas and wiping down equipment and high-touch surfaces.
- Protective barriers- barriers at checkout lanes and pharmacy counters help to protect both customers and workers.
- Social distancing- As part of the efforts to keep you safe and to encourage social distancing, you may notice signage or floor markers at some stores. These are in place to encourage proper physical distance between yourself and other shoppers.
You may be thinking, is it safe for me to go to the grocery store? Before heading to the store, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I currently experiencing any flu-like or respiratory symptoms?
- Have I been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COIVD-19
- Am I over the age of 65 or am I at higher risk?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the CDC(1) recommends that you stay home. However, online shopping along with pickup or delivery services are available to help you get what you need.
Whether you stopped by the store for your groceries, used pickup or had them delivered, you can continue to keep yourself safe once your groceries have arrived at home. Check out these three simple tips to help keep you and everyone in your home healthy
- Wash your hands before and after unpacking your groceries.
- Thoroughly wash all produce
- Always follow the four steps of food safety- clean, separate, cook and chill.(1)
References:
- “Frequently Asked Questions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Apr. 202, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Higher-Risk.
