How to Protect Yourself From Coronavirus When Grocery Shopping

The new public health Canada advisory which is voluntary, specifically mentions groceries and pharmacies as public settings where it can be difficult to practice social distancing—that is, staying 6 feet from others—to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In those locations, the public health Canada recommends wearing simple cloth face coverings “a person wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can reduce the spread of his or her own infectious respiratory droplets”

 

Many consumers are trying to avoid visiting grocery stores entirely, by turning to delivery services. There are several steps that you can take to limit your exposure to coronavirus,

1. There’s no current evidence to support the transmission of the virus from food packaging. But if you’re concerned, it can’t hurt to wipe down non-porous containers like glass or cans with disinfectant wipes.  It all comes down to hand hygenine so wash your hands after putting groceries away. Wash your hands, counter, and other surfaces you’ve touched. Do this after you’ve put away the groceries. Keep in mind that using a disinfectant isn’t necessary unless you’re sharing a space with someone who is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness or has been exposed to the virus.
2. Wash produce. Rubbing fruit and vegetables under running water—and scrubbing those with hard skins—can help remove pesticides.

If you’re getting your groceries delivered though our online Grocery Shop & Drop Follow these steps:

1. Avoid a direct hand-off. Arrange to have the items delivered to your doorstep or a place nearby instead.
2. Tip electronically. One benefit of ordering deliveries through Driverseat App is that you don’t have to hand the delivery person money.
3. Order earlier than you usually do. Though it’s not a safety issue, you may find that in the midst of higher demand you have to wait longer

If You’re Buying Groceries in a Store

A key way to prevent the virus’s spread is to stay 6 feet away from other people. The public health Canada notes that’s generally the distance within which people pick up coronavirus droplets through the air from a cough or sneeze. Such “social distancing” is a good strategy in any situation outside the home.

1. Go shopping at a time that’s less busy. If you type in the store’s name and location in Google search, a box often will pop up showing when foot traffic there is highest.
2.  Wear a face covering.  The new advice from the public health Canada on face masks is voluntary. The agency says the non-medical coverings can be “basic cloth or fabric masks.” It’s not necessary to use surgical masks or N-95 respirators, the public health stresses. “Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders,” the agency says.
3. Take hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes with you. Use it to wipe your hands and the cart before and after you shop.
4. Use a credit or debit card. That way, you don’t have to hand over bills or receive change. If you can, use a virtual payment system like Apple Pay so that you don’t have to open your wallet at all.

How Driverseat’s grocery drop & shop is helping flattening the curve

 

1. Reduce pressure on frontline workers. Only one chauffeur will be shopping for multiple orders so stores are less crowded. Sobeys will open a lane for us to check out quicker.
2. Contact less delivery.We will leave the items at your door steps. Payments are done through the Driverseat app or Etransfer.
3. Wipe down. Upon request, we will wipe down your groceries with our disinfectant wipes before we drop them off at your door.