With experts saying to avoid crowded places because of the novel coronavirus, people may wonder what to do about grocery shopping. One option people are turning to is grocery delivery services. Grocery delivery services have seen a dramatic increase in recent weeks, particularly in states where the most coronavirus cases have been reported, such as California, Washington, and New York.
However, according to Consumer Reports, when someone buys groceries online or in stores, there are some simple steps they can take to try to limit their exposure to the novel coronavirus. First, nonporous containers, such as plastic, glass, and metal, should be washed using dish soap before they are put away. Simple rubbing with soap and water can kill the coronavirus, because it tears apart the virus's outer barrier.
After putting groceries away, people should wash their hands, countertops, and other surfaces that have been touched. Using a disinfectant is not necessary, unless one's living space is being shared with someone who is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness or has been exposed to the virus.
Produce should be washed with running water. There is no data to show that washing fruits and vegetables with soap will do a better job of eliminating coronavirus or that the virus is spread by consuming those foods, Rogers says. However, rubbing fruits and vegetables under running water and scrubbing those with hard skins can help remove pesticides.
Other steps may not make much difference. For instance, buying frozen vegetables rather than fresh under the assumption that they are packed in a more sanitary way has not been backed up by evidence.
Even if a grocery store or warehouse is thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, the delivery person needs to take the same precautions to prevent the spread of a virus to the customer. So while companies may highly recommend that deliverers wash their hands often, practice other hygiene measures, and stay home when they are feeling sick, they cannot monitor whether drivers are actually taking those precautions. And without paid sick leave, workers are going to try to push through as much as they can.
That said, several steps should be taken when ordering deliveries. Customers should avoid a direct hand-off. Instead, customers should arrange to have the items delivered to their doorstep or a place nearby instead. Some companies have places on their order forms where customers can indicate special delivery instructions. FreshDirect says its drivers will no longer bring your groceries into your home.
One benefit of ordering deliveries online or via an app is that customers do not have to hand money to the delivery person. Opportunities to tip the delivery person are included in most of the delivery apps and online ordering systems.
Customers are encouraged to order earlier than they normally do. Though it is not a safety issue, customers may find that in the midst of higher demand, they have to wait longer than normal.
The steps are basically the same for picking up prepacked groceries as for delivery. If the groceries have been ordered in advance and someone is merely putting the groceries in the car in the parking lot, shoppers should consider opening the car door themselves rather than having the person bringing the items to the car touch the handles. And if tips can be provided on the supermarket's app, shoppers should choose that option rather than handing over cash.
A key way to prevent the virus's spread when buying groceries in-store is to stay 6 feet away from other people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that is generally the distance within which people pick up coronavirus droplets through the air from a cough or sneeze. Such "social distancing" is a good strategy in any situation outside the home.
Customers are encouraged to go shopping at a time that is less busy. Readers may type the store's name and location in Google search, and often a box will pop up showing when foot traffic there is highest.
Customers are encouraged to take germicide with them. The germicide should be used to wipe their hands and the cart, both before and after shopping.
Customers are also encouraged to use a credit or debit card. That way, they do not have to hand over bills or receive change. Customers should use their own pen to sign receipts. If available, customers should consider using a virtual payment system like Apple Pay so that they do not have to open their wallet at all.
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