Grocery shopping in these times... (671 views)
chatnoir
Politicos
I have made 117 posts
Right now I'm Offline
I joined September 2016
I've received 15 likes
My gender is Female
|
Post by chatnoir on Mar 30, 2020 18:17:11 GMT -5
At this point, I certainly have enough milk, egg, fresh veggies to get my husband and me through at least another 7-10 days. But with how quickly this virus is spreading, I am wrestling with the choice of taking another trip to the grocery store tomorrow, or just waiting until I absolutely have to. If I can be there for the early opening (for seniors and other vulnerable people), would that be safer than going in a week when many more will be infected? If I wear gloves, disinfect everything that I can before I bring it in the house, and take every precaution that I possibly can, will that be enough? I cannot stand this,, the constant wondering, questioning... Is anybody else going through this? I mean, for heavens' sake, it's freaking grocery shopping, something that I did every week without a second thought and now it has become an almost life or death (literally) decision.  |
|
|
|
Post by karenw on Mar 30, 2020 18:51:31 GMT -5
I am in the medical field (retired now) and usually not an alarmist about medical related things but I am right there with you on this one....it's the invisible enemy that is so overwhelming. I have to go to the store this week as well. I am almost out of milk and have not gone for 2 weeks and it does freak me out a bit. I hope I can enjoy going to the store again some day in the future!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Catbatty on Mar 30, 2020 19:24:58 GMT -5
We live in Oregon which seems to be less hit for the moment. But we pretty much gave up grocery shopping IN PERSON. We have ordered ONLINE several times now from Amazon's Whole Food delivery and from Amazon Fresh delivery. They set the bags at front door (or wherever you specify when you order). Try multiple times, if at first you get a 'No delivery time avail' message. Eventually, we've landed spots within a day or two. So far it's worked out great. We've now done it 4 times. Very happy. One order with Amazon Fresh we ordered a dozen eggs and instead got (at no extra charge), 2.5 pounds chicken drumsticks. But oh well. We are wondering if we will stop doing that and just use what is on hand if it gets worse here. Not sure yet. OH, and we ISOLATE the bags (one-handed lifting with paper towel or gloves), if not cold/frozen. We write with black marker pen...on bags...date 3 days from delivery. We figure any virus will be dead by then. We were keeping in garage. Then husband decided to store indoors...in hope that indoors temps (warmer) will help kill. Then the cold stuff, we either bleach water wash, or we store in garage fridge for several days or bleach. Packages from Amazon, etc., we do same. Daughter says: roast Brussel's sprouts with salt and pepper. When done, drizzle with balsamic. She and her mate are in love with and snacking on them often.  PS: Local grower in very, very, removed from us, extended family (they supply all the markets around here) says: they always have dipped veggies in bleach and water solution...so that's normal and don't fear it for your own veggies.  |
|
|
|
Post by soupandstew on Mar 31, 2020 10:43:16 GMT -5
Yes, this has been the hardest part for me so far. I used to enjoy going to the grocery store to be inspired by the vast variety of foods and people watching. Now each trip has turned into a time of fear and caution. I went to Aldi's this morning during their special hour for seniors, pregnant and disabled and it was quite sane. But it was still a rather other-worldly experience with everyone shopping in mask and gloves.
|
|
|
|
Post by wallycat on Mar 31, 2020 11:08:58 GMT -5
As long as you wash your hands, gloves are (at this point in understanding the virus)overkill. They are easier on the skin for washing but if you wear gloves and touch your face, it is no different than if you had no gloves. This is a very scary time. As every cancer patient knows, the unknown and unknowable are the hardest and most stressful parts of the disease; so it is with this virus. Can't see it; can't follow it; don't know enough about it. A new study said it may stay in the air longer than they thought...but this is preliminary and not reviewed well at this point. Wearing an N95 mask works but I've tried one and they are very uncomfortable; if you end up touching the mask to adjust and readjust it when you're out, it can be worse than not touching your face and not wearing anything. When my packages arrive, I let them sit out 1/2 hour to an hour (UV light kills viruses) and when I bring them in, I let them sit for 24-72 hours. Wash hands after touching the box that sat and waited. Groceries that go in the fridge may sit 24 hours so I don't disinfect like crazy. Same for bags...just let them sit in the car and time kills things. I wash my hands coming in, unload, wash hands again and then let time do its thing. I could drive myself crazy wiping down and trying to disinfect. Sometimes I wonder if I spread more stuff around than if i just leave it all.
I'm not going shopping unless I absolutely run out of stuff. My theory is that the longer I can stay safe/uninfected, the more time they have to figure the virus out and so if i do get it, maybe I'll be able to get help. The fact our stores are bare doesn't motivate me either.
We are all in this together. It is scary for ourselves and those we love. We do the best we can and hope for a good outcome and then try to enjoy what we are doing without going to the dark place too many times. Remember that 80% of cases are mild. Thinking of all of you out there, sitting in the same boat with me and sending out virtual hugs.
|
|
|
|
Post by emma on Mar 31, 2020 16:02:08 GMT -5
|
|
chatnoir
Politicos
I have made 117 posts
Right now I'm Offline
I joined September 2016
I've received 15 likes
My gender is Female
|
Post by chatnoir on Mar 31, 2020 16:49:43 GMT -5
Well, I decided to just go out and do it. I arrived at Aldi at 8:30, eight people in line in front of me, but all spaced about 10' apart. The store was well-stocked and everyone respected the distance rule. I did wear latex gloves, as did DH. I find that wearing them keeps me from touching my face, brushing back my hair, etc. because I hate wearing gloves and they are a constant reminder... 😉
Ana, interesting article about face masks. If they were plentiful I would certainly consider wearing one just in case I have the virus and are asymptomatic. I do wonder, though, if everyone wears them does that mean our country's fearless leader will as well? And can HIS be soundproofed??? 🤔
Emma, I sent your link to friends who are also wondering about the grocery-shopping conundrum. Thanks.
As for us, we went a little overboard, I think. Loaded all of the (bagged) produce and refrigerated/frozen items onto a long table and misted with Lysol spray. Put all into coolers for about an hour, then transferred to the refrigerator/ freezer. Put all boxes and cans onto the table, misted with Lysol, and they will dry until tomorrow. Used wipes on all parts of the car that we touched, Lysol-ed our shoes and left them outside, removed our outer clothes (to toss them in the washer), removed the gloves and put in the trash, and then took showers. Seems a bit extreme, I know, but I am confident that I now have enough groceries here to last for the month of April. As far as we have planned, the only place we will go this month is to walk our dog twice a day. I hope that DH and I don't kill each other. 😜
|
|
|
|
Post by wallycat on Apr 2, 2020 10:27:42 GMT -5
It is reassuring to hear your store is stocked.
DH sits in the car and I go in the one time we've shopped, so far.
Dr. Oz had a great, quick way to make your own mask with a bandana...I think it is wise to start wearing them (I actually wondered if they were saying not to because they were afraid of the hoarders). If no one can expel the virus, then you cannot get the illness so even if you wear something that doesn't prevent GETTING the disease, it prevents GIVING the disease, which works out for everyone.
|
|
|
