During much of last summer, my partner and I dedicated our Saturdays to grocery shopping. We entrusted our kids to our eldest while we ventured out to stores like Costco and Target to gather supplies for our family of five. Dressed in masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines, we made it a point to wash our hands before and after each store visit, aiming to keep our outings brief to mitigate our risk of contracting COVID-19. This weekly excursion was our only break from the house, and we believed we were doing our part to curb the virus’s spread by limiting our outings to essential shopping.
However, in late October, my partner was hospitalized due to septic shock. Upon her return, her health placed her at significant risk for severe COVID-19 complications. Consequently, our grocery shopping shifted to curbside pickups or home delivery. Experts are now advising anyone with similar options to do the same whenever possible.
Dr. Tom Nguyen, a former director at the CDC, recently tweeted about grocery shopping: “Minimize time spent indoors around others. Shopping for five minutes in the store is significantly better—six times better—than spending 30 minutes inside. Opt for curbside pickup or delivery if you can.” His advice comes amid concerns regarding the new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, first detected in the UK and now present in 50 countries.
While the variant is not necessarily more lethal, it is considerably more contagious. A recent VOX article highlights that it is at least 50% more transmissible. Harvard epidemiologist Maya Chen noted, “In less than two weeks, the number of cases can double, and within a month, it can multiply four to five times.”
This increase in transmissibility means that spending time in grocery stores raises the likelihood of contracting the virus. Conversations with friends and family reveal that grocery stores remain one of the few places many people still frequent, transforming weekly shopping trips into potential virus hotspots.
For instance, in Southern California, NBC4 reported that “146 outbreaks were documented last month at supermarkets in parts of LA County and Orange County.” While it is unclear whether these incidents involved the new variant, it is concerning to imagine the impact of a variant that spreads 50% more easily.
The pressing issue is controlling the virus’s spread before it mutates further. Science Magazine recently reported that the B.1.1.7 variant has not shown resistance to COVID-19 vaccines yet. Philip Krause, a WHO vaccine expert, cautioned, “The not-so-good news is the rapid evolution of these variants suggests that if the virus can evolve into a vaccine-resistant form, it may happen sooner than anticipated.” The more the virus spreads, the more chances it has to replicate and mutate, leading to new variants.
This situation poses challenges not just for families shopping but also for grocery store employees. Marissa Lee, who works at a local grocery store, expressed her fears about safety: “Every time I go to work, I worry about the risks.”
Fortunately, many grocery stores now offer curbside pickup services, which my partner and I have utilized for months. This option is often free for orders above a certain amount, typically around $35. Additionally, many stores provide home delivery. If these options are not available to you, it is wise to follow Dr. Nguyen’s advice by making your shopping trips as quick as possible. Plan your list in advance, maintain social distance, and wear a quality mask.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of people in grocery stores. Utilizing these services will protect shoppers and grocery staff alike by minimizing exposure. Plus, we’ve found that curbside pickup has cut our shopping time in half, which is a significant benefit in addition to lowering our COVID-19 exposure risk.
I know this is another adjustment in a year filled with changes, but if something as simple as curbside pickup can help save lives, it’s absolutely worth it. For more insights on related topics, check out this resource or learn more about at-home insemination kits from authoritative sources. You can also find valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination at CCRM IVF’s blog.
Summary
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and new variants emerge, it is essential to approach grocery shopping with increased caution. Utilizing curbside pickup and delivery services can significantly reduce exposure to the virus, benefiting both shoppers and store employees. With careful planning and adherence to safety measures, families can navigate grocery shopping more safely during these challenging times.
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