There are a lot of health practices that are getting some serious “air time” with the health crisis across the world. We are reminded to wash our hands more than we ever have before! This is a great thing, but how far is too far? One of the questions often circulated has to do with your groceries.

Should you be disinfecting the groceries, you bring home from the store?

For many, the grocery store is one of the only places that people are gathering in numbers. It is a necessity to be able to get food and things for your home and family. Being a high trafficked area, it is also one of the riskiest places to visit during this time.

Washing your hands after you leave is a significant step, but what about all your groceries you just bought? People have touched them before you, and who knows if the virus can linger on a cereal box?

Thankfully, these experts have weighed in and given us some guidance on how to handle our trips to the grocery store.

It is essential to listen to people who know more than us in times like this. Many of us haven’t spent the time and effort to educate ourselves for over a decade about health and the body.

The first question we need to ask is, “Do we need to go?”

In this season, we should be asking if we even need to go. The fewer trips, the better. The more often that we go to the store, the more often we are potentially exposing ourselves or others to the virus. Jaimie Meyer, MD, from Yale Medicine said, “Consider whether online ordering and delivery or curbside pickup might be an option.”

If you are sick, stay home.

If you are feeling sick, the best thing you can do is to stay home. You don’t want to put others at risk potentially. You can always consider a food delivery service or asking a friend.

Shop during off-hours.

The best time to go to the store is during off-hours. Fewer people are there, resulting in a lower risk. You should also make a list of the things you need so that you touch fewer items and are in and out faster.

Bring a bleach wipe.

You can wipe down the cart and other items that you are likely to touch (like your phone).

What to do when you get home:

1. The virus can live on cardboard and plastic packages for a little bit. There is not a high risk of contamination, however. You are much more at risk from people in public areas. Lauren Bryan is an RN and infection preventionist at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. She says that you can wipe down containers with a wipe if you would like.
2. You want to make sure you don’t use any cleaning product on produce. You don’t want to be ingesting those chemicals!
3. After putting all your groceries away, wipe down your countertops.
4. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds

If you follow these instructions, you can be much more protective of yourself and others.

Check out the video below for more information!

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Source: Relieved, Health, USA Today, CNN