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Health

This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Leaving The House Right Now, According To Health Experts

May 11, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Health
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Now that some states are lifting the stay-at-home orders and businesses are re-opening, it’s a good time to remember that you can still catch the novel coronavirus if you don’t follow the CDC’s guidelines.

When leaving your house to run errands, return to work or visit public places like parks, there is one thing health experts say that you should never do:

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Take too many belongings!

"Keep your belongings to a minimum," New York-based internist and gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal. "For example, if you are used to taking a purse and sitting it on your grocery cart, this is the time to stop that." So true!

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Carrying personal items like purses creates more surfaces for possible transmission, he points out.  "Grocery carts are in constant contact with people, while the handrail is cleaned by most supermarkets now that cleaning practices have been increased, other parts of the cart may still be contaminated." Yikes!

 

READ MORE: This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Opening Packages

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Additionally, he says you might want to consider leaving your phone in the car, too, to decreases the chances of possible exposure.

 

What should you do instead? "You also want to wear a wristwatch, this paired with a paper list will keep you from contaminating your phone when looking at the time of checking a list within your memo application." Such a good tip!

Convenient carry-out meal packaging for on-the-go dining.

READ MORE: This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Ordering Food For Delivery

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Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Woman reapplying sunscreen for UV protection.
Healthy seeds displayed, not pastries.
Grocery store aisle with sugar and sweeteners.
Person having a lunch meal.
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea for beauty benefits.
Frustrated older woman touching her head in distress
Woman experiencing chest pain, seeking medical attention
Various types of bread displayed for healthy eating options.
Woman holding her head, feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, seeking relief and comfort.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee for flavor enhancement.
Wooden board with delicious bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for skincare benefits.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Older woman taking dietary supplements with water.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken in vibrant colors.
Handful of assorted dietary supplements in palm.
Checking the time while enjoying a healthy breakfast.
Pouring supplement powder into a glass of water.
Woman reapplying sunscreen for UV protection.
Healthy seeds displayed, not pastries.
Grocery store aisle with sugar and sweeteners.
Person having a lunch meal.
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea for beauty benefits.
Frustrated older woman touching her head in distress
Woman experiencing chest pain, seeking medical attention
Various types of bread displayed for healthy eating options.
Woman holding her head, feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, seeking relief and comfort.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee for flavor enhancement.
Wooden board with delicious bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for skincare benefits.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Older woman taking dietary supplements with water.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken in vibrant colors.
Handful of assorted dietary supplements in palm.
Checking the time while enjoying a healthy breakfast.
Pouring supplement powder into a glass of water.