Last summer, my partner and I took on the weekly grocery shopping task every Saturday, leaving our children at home with our eldest in charge. We visited grocery stores, Costco, and Target, gathering supplies for our family of five. Our routine included wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing our hands before and after each store, and keeping our visits short to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19. We believed we were doing our part to curb the spread of the virus by limiting our outings to once a week and focusing solely on our family’s needs.
However, in late October, my partner was hospitalized due to septic shock. Upon her return home, she was classified as high-risk for COVID-19 complications, leading us to shift from grocery shopping to curbside pickup or delivery services. Experts recommend that those who have similar options should do the same, especially in light of emerging COVID-19 variants.
Dr. Tom Allen, a former director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized on social media the importance of minimizing indoor exposure: “Spending five minutes in a grocery store is far better—six times better—than spending half an hour. If curbside pickup or delivery is available, utilize it.” This advice is particularly relevant due to the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant, initially found in the UK and now present in numerous countries.
While this variant is not more deadly, it is more contagious. Harvard epidemiologist Sarah White stated that it is at least 50% more transmissible. “In less than two weeks, the number of cases doubles,” she explained. This increased transmissibility heightens the risk of contracting the virus in grocery stores, which remain one of the few places many people continue to visit.
For instance, Southern California recently reported 146 outbreaks in supermarkets within a month, as per NBC4 in Los Angeles, raising concerns about the potential impact of the more contagious variant.
The worrying aspect is controlling the spread before the virus mutates further. According to Science Magazine, the B.1.1.7 variant is currently not resistant to COVID-19 vaccines. Philip Green, a WHO vaccine working group member, issued a caution: “The rapid evolution of these variants suggests that if the virus can develop a vaccine-resistant form, it may occur sooner than we expect.” The greater the number of infections, the more chances there are for the virus to mutate.
This situation poses risks for grocery shoppers and employees alike. Marissa Lopez, a produce worker at a local supermarket, expressed her concerns: “Every time I go to work, I feel anxious about the risks involved.”
Fortunately, many grocery stores now offer curbside pickup. My partner and I have been using this service for months, and it has proven to be straightforward. Most stores provide it at no extra charge, requiring only a minimum purchase. Additionally, many stores deliver groceries straight to your doorstep. If neither option is feasible, it’s crucial to adhere to Dr. Allen’s advice and make your shopping trips as brief as possible—prepare a shopping list, maintain social distance, and wear a high-quality mask.
The objective is to reduce foot traffic in grocery stores, benefitting both shoppers and employees by lowering exposure risks. Surprisingly, using curbside pickup has cut our shopping time significantly. We were initially hesitant about potential product substitutions, but we have adapted and found it saves time while also minimizing our COVID-19 exposure.
I understand that this represents yet another change in a year filled with them, but if something as simple as curbside pickup can save lives, it is undoubtedly worth the effort. For more information on home insemination, check out this related blog post. If you’re looking for a reliable source on at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy, the World Health Organization provides excellent resources.
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of exercising caution during grocery shopping amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with the rise of the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant. It encourages the use of curbside pickup and delivery options to minimize exposure risks for both shoppers and store employees.