6 Ways to Be a More Considerate Shopper During COVID-19

1. Wear a Face Mask or Other Covering

Wearing a face mask to prevent the transmission of the virus is one of the most basic things we can do to be considerate of our fellow shoppers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently recommending that all people wear cloth face coverings in public spaces where it's difficult to maintain social or physical distancing, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.

They recommend wearing cloth masks rather than professional-grade equipment like surgical masks or N95 masks so that medical personnel, who are at the greatest day-to-day risk, have enough for their needs.

The CDC notes that the virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or even just speaking.

You can also be a carrier for the disease in the days and weeks before you start to show symptoms.

The CDC's website contains complete information about how to make and use a simple cloth face mask, including no-sew directions for those who don't sew.

2. Practice Physical Distancing

Another basic measure we can take, according to Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health, is to practice physical distancing.

Some of the ways we can do this, according to the CDC, are:

• Stay out of crowded places. While this can be difficult with activities like shopping, some of the ways we can do this include shopping during less busy hours and shopping at smaller, local stores, which may be less busy than larger chain stores. We can also take advantage of online shopping and delivery services.

• Don't gather in groups. In the context of shopping, this can mean designating one person as the shopper and leaving everyone else at home. Keeping the number of people inside the store down makes it safer for everyone.

• Stay at least 6 feet away from other people. While this can be difficult in a setting like a store, Labus suggested it's important to "wait your turn, be deliberate about your actions, and keep your distance from others."

3. Don’t Hoard Food, Water, or Supplies

When we buy more than we need of essential items like food, water, medicine, and cleaning supplies, it creates shortages for other people — including older adults and those who may have an illness or disability — who may not be able to get out and shop as easily as we can.

In addition, it's simply not necessary.

Labus explained that stores will remain open during a pandemic, and there won't be an interruption in our food supply. It's not necessary to purchase more food than normal.

There's also no danger of a water shortage, he noted. A pandemic is different from other natural disasters, where utilities like water might go offline for a period of time.

"We have also seen people stocking up on toilet paper," he said. "While it makes sense to have some spare toilet paper, hoarding has made it difficult for people who need it to find it."

4. Avoid the WIC Label

On March 15, Suit Up Maine, a grassroots progressive group located in Maine, posted a tweet that quickly went viral reminding shoppers to avoid purchasing foods labeled "WIC."

According to Diane Rigassio Radler, director of the Institute for Nutrition Interventions at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, WIC refers to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

This program provides assistance for low-income women to purchase healthy, nutritious foods for themselves and their young children.

Often, these women are restricted to which brands or package sizes they're able to purchase under the program.

During periods of panic buying, when supplies become limited, shoppers may resort to buying whatever brands are still available.

Radler said the aim of the tweet was to educate shoppers to look for the WIC labels and buy other brands if possible so that people using this program are not left without needed items for their families.

5. Clean Your Cart for the Next Customer

According to a recent study, the virus that causes COVID-19 can remain active on plastic and stainless surfaces for up to 3 days.

In addition, it can remain viable from a few hours to a few days on a variety of other surfaces, according to the CDC.

With this in mind, it's a considerate move to make sure we leave our shopping carts clean for the next customer.

If you have access to disinfectant wipes, wipe down the handle of your cart as well as any other surfaces that people are likely to touch.

You can dispose of any used personal protective equipment, such as gloves or disposable face masks, in the trash. You can also place them in a baggie to dispose of at home.

6. Be Considerate of Store Employees

Store workers and delivery personnel are currently working overtime to make sure we have what we need.

In addition, they're putting themselves and their families at increased risk of contracting the virus.

It's important for us all to remember this and treat them with the respect they deserve.

Some of the things we can do to make things easier for them are:

• Buy only the essentials. While we're all going a bit stir-crazy at home, now is not the time to crowd into stores to relieve our boredom.

• Shop efficiently. Have a list of what you need. Get in and get out.

• Dispose of used gloves and masks properly. Think of these items as potentially being contaminated with the virus, and handle them accordingly.

• Be polite and courteous. Store employees and delivery drivers are working hard and doing their best. It is not their fault when shortages occur.

The Bottom Line

During a time like a pandemic, your actions can literally make a life-or-death difference to another person.

Following the safety measures laid out by the CDC and other government agencies is an important part of shopping etiquette during this time.

It's also important to consider the needs of other shoppers and make sure there's enough available for everyone by not purchasing more than you need and avoiding products marked with the WIC label.

Finally, treat store employees with the courtesy and respect they deserve. They're working hard and at great risk to themselves to make sure you have what you need.