Tips for Safely Navigating the Grocery Store

Preparing to go to the grocery store

• Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, and a face mask with you on your trip to the store
• Go alone if possible.  Only one member of your household should go to the store.  This will help keep stores from getting crowded and allow you to get your shopping done as fast as possible.
• Many grocery stores are reserving certain hours for people 65 and older.  This allows older people who are more at risk to do their shopping safely.

Staying safe while you shop

• Follow directions.  Many grocery stores have their own policies and guidelines in place in order to help make shopping a safe experience.  
• Wear a mask in the store
• Use disinfecting wipes to clean your shopping cart
• Follow social distancing guidelines and stay at least 6 ft from other shoppers
• Avoid touching your face
• If self-checkout is an option, use it – this decreases the amount of person-to-person contact you will have in the store.
• If possible, use contactless payment options such as scanning your credit card on your smart phone.
• Do not pay with cash if possible, and if you use a credit card, wipe it down before and after you use it.

Actions to take after checkout

• As soon as you get to your car, use hand sanitizer, and when you get home, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Only take off your mask, touch your steering wheel, seatbelt, or personal items after you have sanitized your hands.
• Unpack your groceries and throw away disposable grocery bags after you use them.
• Wash your hands again after you finish putting your groceries away and before you eat.