I'm being sarcastic with this post header, we've been getting advice on the safest way to grocery shop since last March. But, there is always a positive reason for relaying this information again since we tend to become rather casual, or sloppy, after so many months.
This article lays out the safest way to get in and out of the grocery store which, honestly, is the one place we can't avoid unless you're using the personal shopper delivery style.
The first rule is the old rule. Wear a mask. Recently medical people have been advising the wearing of two masks for much better protection. That may seem crazy, but I did this the other day and I will continue to do it. I felt much more secure. I bought some 95% filtration disposable masks at the new Ace Hardware and put that on first and over it one of the cloth masks I've had. It was not uncomfortable, hot or annoying. And this combination did not fog up my glasses. Plus it felt much safer.
The second is another old rule. Keep a distance from people in the store which may mean going early in the morning. It's fairly easy to do most days, but not on the busiest days of the week like Saturday or Sunday. The article says the least crowded time is Monday at 8 a.m. However, that is the time when grocery shelves will be the most bare. Any early morning is probably best.
3. Make a list so you don't waste a lot of time in the store. I've been doing this since the virus hit and it helps. It also helps to know where things are in your store and make your list starting with things from the door onward. That way there is no back tracking or fumbling around hunting for those olives or whatever. Also have an idea of what you want for meals several days in the future. I've always been bad at this, but I do this now so I don't have to go out every darn day.
4. Don't take the whole family along to grocery shop. I do see any number of multiple family member shopping, especially on weekends. What I have also noticed is the large number of older men who are doing grocery shopping. This was most likely not part of their routines before Covid, but it's a way for them to get out of the house right now.
5. And clean things when you leave, sanitize your hands in the car, get rid of the plastic bags at home (you can live without them). Wash your hands before and after unpacking. Obsessive? yes. But worthwhile.
6. And, the more people you are around the more you could come in contact with the germ. Passing through a crowd, for example, is more likely to find germs than walking by a couple of people. I'd add one more thing. If the aisles are laid out in one way fashion, FOLLOW THE ARROWS1 So many shoppers are ignoring them right now and we have to pass by shoulder to shoulder to shoulder in the aisles. Stop this!