The Irish Global Health Network said that shoppers should wash their hands again after unpacking and putting shopping bags away after returning from a grocery shopping trip.
The group suggested that shoppers should remove outer food packaging and discard, being careful to limit handling of the inner packaging of items such as yoghurts, in its recently published 'A quick guide to safe shopping during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic' report.
Wipe down fridge and cupboard handles with sanitiser, a paper towel and discard, it added and to designate a cleared, disinfected area to sort out your shopping.
Prior to stocking your fridges and cupboards, wipe shelving with sanitiser and a paper towel, then discard, it said.
It highlighted that coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces, so wipe the outside of all canned/hard surface pack goods (tetra packs) with a paper towel/warm soapy water, sanitise (following the manufacturer’s guidance).
Alternatively leave non-perishable foods in a safe place for 72 hours, the group recommended.
Other Guidelines
Try to avoid peak shopping times, although it may now be difficult to determine when these are, the report noted.
If possible, the group said to avoid taking your children to the shops and try to shop at off-peak times to avoid the crowds.
Don’t delay while shopping or chat with neighbours/ friends/store staff, it said.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
