Tips For A Safe Grocery Shopping That Actually Don't Work

The majority of 2020 was all about battling the covid-19 virus, and no wonder people are still trying to adapt practices for staying safe while grocery shopping in their lives. However, there is a lot of misguided information floating around... This is why we've picked out 6 grocery shopping myths that won't actually keep your safe, and share with you some recommendations what to do instead!

1. Wearing gloves

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most situations, such as doing grocery shopping for your needs, don't require wearing gloves unless you are caring for someone who is sick.

However, keeping 2 meters distance and washing your hands with soap when you are back home - is the best way of protection. Also, don't forget to use hand sanitizers in the meantime. 

2. Wiping down food packaging

CDC says that there's no direct evidence associating food packaging with the transmission of the virus. However, if you're worried about it and need some extra precaution, you can try wiping down product packaging and allow it to air dry naturally.  

3. Leaving groceries in your car for 3 days

This myth went viral after the research that found covid-19 can live on certain surfaces for up to three days. But as scientists say, if you're going to get sick after visiting the grocery store, it will be from other people but not other people. 

If you want to protect yourself, it would be enough just to wash your hands after you remove the food from the shopping bags. 

4. Relying on hand sanitizer

Although hand sanitizers (if used correctly) can effectively kill some germs on your hands, it's not a cure-all. It could be explained by the fact that sanitizers only have an effect on the outer layer of film on your hands.

Again, cleaning your hands after grocery shopping is the best way of protection.  Wash them by wetting with warm water, lather with soap for at least 20 seconds, rinse and dry with a clean towel.

5. Ditching reusable bags

While many grocery chains are temporarily banning reusable bags in order to prevent the spread of covid-19, there's still no clear answer on whether or not bringing in your own grocery bag has an effect on spreading the virus. So, banning reusable bags is just an additional precaution some grocers are using to keep shoppers safe.

6. Thinking you have to do groceries in-person

The CDC recommends ordering your groceries online and having them delivered as an even safer move than visiting the grocery store. The delivery services give you the option to stay out of grocery stores completely and visit brick-and-mortar stores only when you absolutely need to.