As many states enter their second lockdowns, most businesses are closing their doors for the time being with the exception of essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies.
Just because these businesses are open, however, does not mean you should be frequenting them during lockdown. To keep yourself and others safe and healthy, it’s a good idea to limit how often you are leaving your house. According to experts, a mask helps protect you, but it isn’t 100% foolproof.
With that in mind, limiting any shopping trips–grocery or otherwise–is a good idea right now as case numbers continue to rise.
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Leann Poston M.D., M.B.A., M.Ed., tells SheFinds about the safety risks you take when heading to your local grocery store. She explains, "Wearing a mask is only one step you can take to decrease the spread of COVID." When shopping, taking other risk factors--like your proximity to other shoppers--into account is smart.
Dr. Poston, a content contributor to Invigor Medical, adds, "Even when you and other shoppers have masks on, maintain a social distance because while masks minimize the spread of droplets coming from your mouth and nose, some can still get through the cloth."
It's important not to allow the masks to give you a false sense of security when out shopping.
Just because you have a mask on in stores does not mean you should disregard social distancing guidelines. Poston explains, "Keeping a distance from others keeps the larger droplets from falling on you."
Because keeping this distance might get more difficult with holiday shopping crowds, you should consider alternative contactless options to shopping in-store.
Poston suggests, "If the store is crowded, opt for curbside pickup." Most stores are expanding their grocery delivery options as well.
If heading to the store is really unavoidable, Poston has a few tips to keep in mind.
First, avoid "small stores with poor ventilation," which can increase the risk. Try to pick larger stores that are well-ventilated instead.
Second, pick a store that is keeping up with added sanitary measures like wiping down carts and other high-touch areas.
