Shopping for Essentials During the Coronavirus Pandemic: 4 Tips for Running Errands Safely Family Health

Even with safer-at-home orders, Americans everywhere are stepping out of the safety of their homes to run errands and get essentials during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. If you are going shopping, follow these tips to help keep you and your family safe:

1. Stay home if you are sick. It’s important to keep others safe. Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough or shortness of breath. Use online services for delivery instead, or ask if family members and friends can deliver essentials to your doorstep.

2. Use online services. If you can, order groceries and prescriptions for delivery and do your banking online. This is the easiest way to limit your exposure to anyone who might be sick.

3. Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines while shopping. If you do go out to a store, practice social distancing, wear a face covering at all times, wash your hands regularly and only touch items you need in the store. It’s also a good idea to use touchless payment options when possible and always use disinfecting wipes to sanitize your cart or basket before touching it.

4. Wash your hands when you can. When you leave a destination or touch items others may have touched, such as pens, keypads or door handles, sanitize your hands and wash them for at least 20 seconds with soap and water as soon as you have access to a restroom. It’s best to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially when you are in public places.

Following a few simple steps can help you avoid contracting COVID-19 while you run your daily errands. If you are feeling unwell, contact your health-care provider and see how they can help. Don’t have one? Visit WeChooseNPs.org to find a healthcare provider near you.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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