A guide to supermarket shopping during the pandemic

Reduce the risks of contracting or transmitting the coronavirus when going to the supermarket with these tips

Before going:

Prepare a complete list
Put the list on paper and prepare a pen or pencil that you can throw away with the list (or disinfect).
Organise your list according to the supermarket shelves (try visualising the supermarket) so you can stick to the path.
If you can, buy some stuff for old or sick parents or neighbours so they don’t have to go to the supermarket (talk to them on the phone).
Tell them you will leave their stuff on their doorstep and they don’t need to come out and talk to you.
Tell them to take all possible precautions with the bags (e.g. to remove the stuff, use gloves or put plastic bags on their hands and throw these away afterwards – see below).
Buy only reasonable quantities as per instructions of the supermarket (some supermarkets are allowing up to 3 units per essential product per person)
Prepare a Rs 5 or Rs 10 coin for the caddie. The supermarket may not have any change.
Prepare a table in front of your door where you will be able to place the products when you come back.

Outside the supermarket:

Put on your masks and gloves if any. But please do not waste these as health workers need these most. Make your own masks if you don’t have any.
When you start touching the caddie with your hand, do not touch your face at all, especially your mouth, your nose and your eyes.
If there is a queue, keep your distance with other people (at least one metre).
Be patient. Everyone is in the same boat.
If possible, do not take out your phone so it is not infected.

In the supermarket:

Stick to your list. Only take what you really need.
Keep the social distance at all time (at least one metre).
Be respectful towards supermarket employees. They are taking risks by coming to work for your benefit. Don’t come near them and do not bother them unnecessarily or shout at them.
If some article is missing on the shelves, leave it. If you can replace by another brand, do it.
Do not use your phone as far as possible.
Sort out the stuff you have bought per household, each in separate bags.
Try paying with your bank card if possible.

When you leave the supermarket:

Throw away the list and the pen or pencil in a bin.
Try cleaning your hand with a sanitiser or wash them thoroughly.
If you have bought stuff for other people, leave the stuff on their doorsteps. Do not go inside their house.
When you reach home, leave everything outside on the table.
Leave your sandals or shoes outside and throw away the mask and gloves.
If possible, someone from inside comes out with gloves while keeping their distance from you.
Go shower while that person takes care of all the products.
He/She transfers all perishable products to the fridge.
Use some diluted javel and a piece of cloth to wipe the products.
Wash your clothes.

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