The rapid spread of the Coronavirus epidemic has brought the lens onto our everyday activities. With most nations under lockdown, people are evaluating whether going out for even basic essentials is necessary or not. Believe it or not – grocery shopping can be quite a dangerous exercise in times such as these. There are a number of ways you can interact with germs on your way, and while inside the grocery store. There are some surprising sources of germs in your local grocery store. This should act as a checklist for your visit to the grocery store, and make sure you make minimum contact with these infected surfaces. Further, it is always based to make an active effort to keep these sources of germs disinfected and clean to prevent the spread of infection.
Here Are The 7 Sources Of Germs When You Go Grocery Shopping, And How You Can Avoid Them:
1. Grocery cart
The moment you enter your local grocery store, you grab on to a grocery cart. The cart itself has been used by a number of people before you, and who knows what kind of germs they would be carrying?
How to avoid: Wipe the handles with a disinfecting wipe. If you can avoid using a cart, it’s even more ideal.
2. Other Customers
Crowded grocery stores are a highly probable source of germs. The more the number of people in the store, the more likely it is that they would pass on the germs on their body inadvertently.
How to avoid: Maintain a six foot distance at all times
(Also Read: How to Save Money on Groceries: 7 Smart Shopping Tips)
3. Store hygiene
The grocery store you visit needs to maintain proper store hygiene at all times. For example, the stock that they have should be fresh and disinfected.
How to avoid: It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid big crowds, get fresh stock and visit clean stores.
4. Cash or currency
Cash is truly one of the biggest ways you can get germs on yourself. Currency exchanges hands rapidly and multiple times within a single day, thus leading to transferring of germs without us even realising it.
How to avoid: Avoid paying cash entirely, and be sure to wipe down your debit or credit cards after using them.
(Also Read: Grocery Shopping: How to Buy Ingredients That Serve One)
5. Paper bags
Some grocery stores pack the goods for their customers in paper bags, which could also be a potential source of germs at home. Although it is difficult to entirely eliminate paper bags, they should ideally be avoided if possible.
How to avoid: Leave them outside and carry the items inside by hand
6. Jars & Bottles
The perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables are cleaned properly before being put to use, but what about the jars and bottles? They are also surfaces that come in contact with many people, several times and may potentially carry germs.
How to avoid: Wash and wipe them down when you reach home.
7. Reusable bags
Reusable bags made of cloth are great for the environment, and reduce wastage significantly. However, they could also be carrying hidden germs and infections if they are used multiple times without cleaning in between.
How to avoid: Clean them up between store trips
With these tips, grocery shopping will become a germ-free experience that is ridden of any possible infections. The ideal way is to go out for groceries less often, and practice all the necessary precautions while doing so.
About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.