Coronavirus Ireland: HSE guide to shopping safely in…

Coronavirus Ireland: HSE guide to shopping safely in Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, Dunnes and others supermarkets

The HSE has issued some advice on their website as to how to go about your shopping in the safest way possible.

With so many people heading to the shops as their only trip outside the house now, there is some fear about picking up the virus in the supermarket.

Thankfully there is some expert guidance on safe shopping - while it is also stressed that you should practice social distancing and keep washing your hands, the risk is not all that high on your trips to the shop.

Here's what the HSE has advised when it comes to shopping and avoiding the virus.

Step-by-step guide to safe shopping

When to stay at home

The HSE state you should not go to the shops if you are one of the following;

feeling unwell
in an at-risk group
cocooning

If you are cocooning or in an at-risk group, do your grocery shopping online or ask someone to go for you.

Limit shopping

Try to limit shopping trips to once a week. This reduces your risk of getting coronavirus or spreading it to others.

No reported cases of coronavirus have been linked to contaminated food. Animals or animal products legally imported into the EU are not a health risk from coronavirus.

Key steps in store

Use the sanitiser provided for your hands and trolley or basket.
Remember to avoid touching your face.
If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.
Follow social distancing guidelines - keep 2 metres distance between yourself and others in queues and while shopping.
Pay by card instead of cash and use contactless payment if possible.

Key steps when you get home