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Grocery shopping during the novel coronavirus outbreak can be terrifying and anxiety-inducing. Not only is it bizarre to see so many people wearing masks during a routine activity like going to the market, but there are so many new protocols and restrictions to remember.
Experts warn that it is as important as ever to follow these directions to avoid future spikes in the spread of COVID-19. But what do they say is the one mistake you absolutely shouldn’t make–especially now?
READ MORE: This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Leaving The House Right Now, According To Health Experts
The answer is easing up too quickly on restrictions.
As the stay-at-home orders are lifted in some states and businesses begin to re-open, the worst thing you can do is stop following the CDC's recommended protocols too quickly, experts unanimously warn. "We don't know what lies ahead, so I recommend maintaining social distancing measures for at least a few weeks," health expert Patricia Johnson of Pedal Lovers says.
Need a refresher? Wear masks and gloves, bring hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes, health coach Alessandra Kessler advises. "Wipe down the handles of shopping carts or baskets and when done with shopping, wipe down the products when you reach home."
Additionally, these are the other activities experts resoundedly warn against in corona:
Be Impatient
"Practice social distancing while shopping," certified holistic health coach Alessandra Kessler of Healthy Body Healthy Mind advises. "Do not jump over the shelves to grab the products in a hurry. Wait for the other shoppers standing at the shelves to get done and then move ahead. You must need to have a 6 feet distance from other shoppers and store employees. Grocery stores management has allowed a few people to shop at a time, so manage your time accordingly and wait for your turn instead of rushing and pushing people during shopping."
Bring Your Kids
"Although restrictions are being somewhat loosened, it’s still not ideal to bring your kids with you to the grocery store," health and wellness expert Linda Morgan of Motivation Nook explains. "It might seem like a harmless, and in these desperate times even fun, way to all get outside, but there is still the possibility of germs being spread. Children touch everything and this increases the risk of exposure to themselves and anyone else who they may come in contact with. Despite the fact that stay-at-home orders are lifting in some states, it’s always best to proceed with caution and minimize exposure wherever possible, so leave your kids at home."
Pay With Cash
"Paper money keeps revolving in different hands, and depending upon the denomination, notes keep circulating for years. It is contaminated with a lot of harmful germs, viruses, and bacterias, which can lead to serious illness," healthcare professional CJ Xia of Boster Biological Technology tells us. "Now, people should be more conscious and pay with their debit or credit cards instead of cash. Online payment will keep the paying process contactless, and the revolving cash potentially having thousands of microbes will not infect their hands."
