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During quarantine, it can be stressful to figure out the best and safest way of running errands at essential businesses. Whether you need to pick up more groceries or essential supplies at the pharmacy, there are certain safety precautions everyone should be making.
Specifically, if you have children, it’s important to leave them home if possible.
According to Vox, one rule to keep in mind before stepping out is going alone: "[I]f you can: Go alone, and — again, if possible — without children, who love touching things."
Going alone helps reduce the number of people inside the store, making it easier to follow social distancing protocols and maintain a safe distance between other shoppers. It also is a good way to look out for essential workers by reducing how many people they are coming into contact with.
However, if you have children, this is even more important. As Vox points out, children love touching things, which is an easy way to spread germs--and take them home with you.
Children also may be more likely to take off their masks and ignore social distancing guidelines--all without meaning any harm. To keep your children and the other shoppers and employees safe, leaving them at home is probably for the best.
TODAY repeats the same message. Celine Beitchman, director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education, explained to TODAY Food the importance of going alone. The article explains, "In order to streamline the trip and keep grocery stores less crowded, limit how many people you take with you — or go alone."
Her advice continues: "[Kids] probably shouldn't be shopping for food unless they're old enough to help and can be counted on to keep their hands away from their faces ... and other items in the store."
