Should I avoid touching surfaces when shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic?

See full answerResearch suggests that COVID-19 is more commonly spread from respiratory droplets passed from people in close contact than from touching surfaces. It is possible but probably less common that those droplets land on surfaces, and then a person gets infected by touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, after touching the surface (source). Washing your hands with soap and water (or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer) regularly and avoiding touching your face will help with this concern. Another important way to avoid getting the virus while shopping is to wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

Is it safe to go grocery shopping when you are sick?

CDC guidelines for grocery shoppers Only shop in person when you absolutely need to. Avoid shopping if you are sick. Stay at least 6 feet away from others.

Should you unpack groceries or boxes when you get home?

You don’t need to wait to unpack groceries or boxes when you arrive home. Instead, after unpacking, wash your hands. Washing your hands frequently, using soap and water and drying with a clean towel, is really the best defense for protecting yourself from this virus and many other infectious diseases that might be on a surface or package.

How do you wash your hands before going to the grocery store?

Once you get in the door, McKoy says to put down any shopping bags or goods on the floor and walk “straight to the sink” to wash your hands. After that, you can put groceries or other supplies away, after which both experts advise another round of handwashing.

Should you buy groceries in-person?

Along with the guidelines we hear day in and day out, limiting the duration of your grocery shopping is a good approach to in-person shopping. Choosing grocery delivery or curbside pickup reduces the risk of contracting the disease, and protects yourself and others.