For many Atlantic Canadians, we are ending either the first or the second week of self-isolation … and I’m sure it would be an understatement to say it has been quite an adjustment! Personally, I am definitely an introvert … but having everyone ELSE here with no breaks has been … an adventure.

One of the challenges with trying to stay home is the need to get groceries and supplies when needed. Thankfully, local businesses have risen to the challenge and put some safe shopping measures in place! Below are a list of tips and suggestions to minimize your exposure while keeping stocked up!

1. Pick-up service – Stores such as Atlantic Superstore and Wal-Mart have a pick-up service… where you can go online, do your shopping, choose a timeslot for pick-up, and then simply show up, open your trunk, and they will bring your groceries out for you! Personally, I think this is the safest method of grocery shopping with the lowest exposure. Atlantic Superstore has also waived their usual pick-up fees (which were only $5.00 during peak hours, or $3.00 for off peak hours to begin with), and Wal-Mart’s pick-up is also free. The only catch with either of these places is that you need to plan ahead. Currently, Atlantic Superstore is booking pick-up slots a week from now, and Wal-Mart looks to be about three days.
2. Delivery service – Another great option that Atlantic Superstore offers is delivery of groceries. Same as pick-up service, you would go online, do your grocery shopping that way, and schedule a time for delivery. Currently, they are saying no time slots are available and to check back later, so it is safe to say that many are taking advantage of this service!

Another store that may do delivery is pharmacies. Several pharmacies offer this service to their customers, and especially for those who are most susceptible to this virus, it is a great option to take advantage of.

1. Brave the elements! – If you absolutely need to make the trip into the store yourself, there are steps you can take to ensure you are as safe as possible:
   • Limit your trips to the store to once per week, and designate one person to go.
   • Wear gloves, either regular gloves or plastic gloves. If you’re wearing regular gloves, be sure to throw them in the laundry when you get home. If plastic, take them off as you exit the store and throw them out there. As an extra precaution, I keep cleaning solution in my car, and wipe down the steering wheel and door handle when I get home too.
   • Do your best not to touch door handles or use your elbow to push doors open. It’s a good idea to wash your coats once you’re back home as well, especially if you’ve used your coat to open doors (I do this all the time!)
   • Don’t touch your face, especially when out!
   • Wash your hands well once you’re back home

Have you found any other tips that work for you when it comes to shopping in our new social distancing world? We’d love to hear from you!

 

Image by Hannes Edinger from Pixabay