COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person through close contact. It can present as an acute respiratory illness in humans, and can also be carried by a person who does not show any symptoms, i.e. an asymptomatic carrier. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. However, it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and increase in allowable indoor capacity, wait-times in all types of stores have significantly reduced. The most significant change is noticed in grocery stores, where at the start of lock-down in March of 2020, wait-times were up to 3 hours.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19. It is up to each individual to follow implemented practices to minimize the risk of transmission of infection. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health while Grocery Shopping:
Stay home if sick
- Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Order online or use curbside pickup
- Order food and other items online for home delivery or curbside pickup (if possible).
- Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling household essentials, in person when you absolutely need to. This will limit your potential exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19.
Protect yourself while shopping
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you have to go out in public.
- When you do have to visit in person, go during hours when fewer people will be there (for example, early morning or late at night).
- If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours.
- Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.
Use hand sanitizer
- After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer.
Wash hands at home
- When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Follow food safety guidelines: clean, separate, cook, and chill. At this time, there is no evidence that food or food packaging play a significant role in spreading the virus.
Always check the store’s policy.
Adhere to recommendations of your provincial Public Health Department.
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLPwe wish you all to stay safe.