While at one of the big box stores in Baxter on Wednesday (out for the first time in two weeks) getting essentials, I found myself wondering, what is the proper etiquette while shopping?

If I needed something in an aisle that was occupied… do I wait?  If I need an item that is near someone else who is taking their sweet time deciding on a toothbrush (LIKE 5 MINUTES), so I say, “excuse me?”  Or is that getting too close?

Lo and behold, today, Crow Wing County sent out press release today explaining the Grocery Store Etiquette!  So, if you are wondering, too… see the attached!  Be safe, friends!  And BE NICE.

Here’s what the Press Release said:

Grocery Store etiquette during the COVID -19 Pandemic
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading across the United States, we have all had to change the way we live and work in our community. One thing we have had to change is how we shop for groceries and other necessities. Crow Wing County would like to pass on some important recommendations for your protection and the protection of others in the community. We are all in this
together.

Before you go to the store
Consider whether you really need to go shopping: We are all being told to stay home as much as possible, and that means limiting trips to the grocery store. If you only need a few items, try to get by with what you have and plan a big shopping trip for later, when you can buy enough to last 1 to 2 weeks. Make a list to organize your trip so you can get in and out more quickly.

Don’t bring the whole family: It’s best to shop alone. This helps reduce the number of people going to stores, especially since some stores are now placing a limit on how many people can be in the store at any given time. If possible, leave your children at home to limit your family’s exposure and the exposure to other shoppers, as kids do not always keep their hands away from their faces or keep a mask on.

Use delivery if that is an option: Getting groceries delivered or using curbside pick-up helps reduce the number of people going into stores and touching things, helps people follow social distancing rules, and helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 from people who are infected but don’t show symptoms. If you can’t get delivery, try shopping at off-peak hours and buy as many items as you can from one store instead of going to multiple stores.

Don’t go if you have symptoms: It’s very important not to go shopping if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath), or if you think you have been exposed to the virus. In these cases, you should leave your home only to seek medical care, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you need supplies, ask a friend or someone else to get them and leave them outside your home or use delivery.

At the store
Sanitize your hands often: Use hand sanitizer before entering the store and after leaving. You should also consider using hand sanitizer before and after selecting produce items.

Touch only what you buy: Try not to touch things unnecessarily. That means don’t pick up multiple produce items to try to find the ripest one, as tempting as
that may be.

If your store isn’t providing disinfecting wipes, bring your own wipes to use on carts, basket handles and card readers.

Wear a mask: The CDC now recommends that people wear cloth face coverings when they go out, including when they go to the grocery store. This is intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from people who are infected but don’t realize it because they aren’t symptomatic. Please do NOT take the mask off while shopping in the store and leave it on until you get to your car. Practice social distancing: As with any public setting, you should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others. Don’t touch your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed
hands.