The virus that causes COVID-19 can be viable for up to 72 hours on certain surfaces. Taking extra care when handling your groceries can reduce your risk of exposure. Experts say these simple steps can keep you safe.
The CDC recommends Trusted Source that all people wear cloth face masks in public places where it’s difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus from people without symptoms or people who do not know they have contracted the virus.
Read more: Are you also awake at nights due to COVID-19? Be aware!
Cloth face masks should be worn while continuing to practice social distancing. Instructions for making masks at home can be found here Trusted Source. Note: It’s critical to reserve surgical masks and N95 respirators for healthcare workers.
The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has many people staying at home except for essential activities like seeking medical care, exercising, walking their dog, or shopping for groceries.
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You can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 whenever you leave your house by taking precautions such as practicing social distancing and washing your hands thoroughly and often.
Shopping for groceries, though, carries extra risk. Not only are you near other people, but many of the products you’re buying have probably been handled by others and possibly sneezed or coughed on.
This doesn’t mean you should give up on trips to the supermarket. That’s not really a viable option for most of us.
Read more: Coronavirus is 10 times deadlier than the 2009 swine flu: WHO
But you can take a little extra care when handling your groceries to avoid spreading the virus to other people and surfaces in your house.
Cleaning Food Like a Surgeon
If you or someone in your household is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, you might want to adopt the modified “sterile technique” recommended by Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen, a family physician practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in this YouTube video.