Safe shopping for all age groups during coronavirus pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With "Stay at Home" orders from the state down to the local government, many are learning to adjust to the things they took for granted just a month ago.

One of those is a trip to the grocery store.

Even with all South Lake Tahoe grocery stores open, it doesn't mean it should be shopping as normal, a.k.a. "pre-coronavirus days."

Most households don't have refrigerator or freezer space, or even cupboard space to not have to make a run to the grocery store once in a while. But the fewer trips one makes, the better it is to remain safe and virus-free.

We've all seen the lines to shop during both special senior citizen hours as well as general shopping times. Whether its a fear of a store running out or having a lack of needed supplies, or being worried about the stories of empty shelves, the lines have been likened to Black Friday electronic deals.

With the recommended six-foot distance for safe social distancing during this pandemic, standing in lines for supplies does not make sense. Just because they are allowed to be open does not mean the safety guidelines are to be excused.

Grocery stores are getting food, shelves are being stocked as soon as staff can break away from the lines at the front of the store, and trucks are making their way across the mountains. There is no heavy snow in the forecast, so delays due to weather shouldn't be a factor going forward.

Go shop, when needed, but take a new mindset with you.

Grocery carts can have germs. Most stores have sanitizing wipes at the entrance to wipe the handles and basket area down. Some even have staff waiting as you enter to spray and wipe down for you.

Check with your store to see if they allow reusable bags brought from home.

The Starbucks inside Safeway at Bijou has taped up the floor to show people where to stand six-feet apart. Other shops are incorporating this as well, but if there isn't any tape for one to stand one, still maintain that distance to be safe during the trip to the grocery.

The aisles are a concern when in the store, especially when one has to pass another. Shopping was always a good opportunity to catch up with friends and give each other a hug....that can wait.

At Safeway, plexiglass is being installed to protect the cashiers from coughs and sneezes of the customers. This is happening across the nation as well. When paying think of leaving the cash in your wallet and using plastic, though wipe down the card and hands after using the terminal. Also, wipe down cell phones or any other personal items taken out during the shopping trip.

Many are skipping the shopping experience altogether and using online resources and services. Don't wait until the last minute though as their backlog on customers can be up to 48 hours.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says it is not necessary to wash every food item when you get home. They said, "there is likely a very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures."

"If you are concerned about contamination of food and food packaging you have purchased from the grocery store, wash your hands after handling food and food packages when you return from the grocery store and after removing packaging from food. In addition, it’s always critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill – to prevent foodborne illness," states the CDC on their website.

Produce should be handled as normal, they say, though some are washing theirs in a mild bleach/water bath prior to putting away.

Since the beginning of the recent outbreak of coronavirus, experts have been constant in their message for the public: Wash hands often for 20 seconds and don't touch your face. These rules are the same when shopping too. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.