What you need to do to keep yourself safe when going to the grocery store
Despite people being told to stay at home, many people are still needing to buy groceries. Health officials have warned to take precautions when going out in various public settings, including grocery stores.
Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen, MD posted a video to YouTube, that has now gone viral. The Michigan family care physician spoke on several ways people can stay safe.
“When you go out to get your groceries and you bring them home try not to bring them into your house unless you absolutely need them," Dr. VanWingen said.
He encouraged having a designated place, such as a garage, for groceries that don't need to be used immediately.
According to a new study from National Institutes of Health, Princeton University, UCLA, and CDC the virus can live on certain surfaces for an extended period of time.
Doctors said giving groceries 2-3 days to sit will allow surfaces to rid themselves of the virus.
Dr. VanWingen said if it is necessary to bring groceries inside you can soak produce in soap and water, and clean each individual fruit or vegetable for 20 seconds.
Shoppers are also advised to wipe surfaces of packaged goods.
"If it’s items such as bread that are in a container and you’re worried about it, you can take the bread out of that container and put it into a ziplock bag or Tupperware," Registered Nurse and Infection Preventionist at Eisenhower Health, Michael Connors said.
Connors said people who choose to take extra precautions should be those who are more vulnerable, but it doesn't hurt for the general public to also stay safe.
"We’re not sure how infectious it is. Just because we can track bits of the virus for days doesn’t necessarily mean it’s still active and infective," JFK Emergency Director, Dr. Andrew Kassinove, MD said.
Doctors say washing hands frequently and self-isolating are vital.
They also advise shoppers to try limiting going to the grocery store to once every two weeks. Every household is advised to designate one person to go to the store.
