The broad message from governments, public health, and the media is: Stay Home, Stay Safe. Yet, the need to go out for essentials, like food and toilet paper, is still present. So how do you best protect yourself against coronavirus during your routine grocery shopping trip? Is it possible to be safe on your only public outing?
Gloves, Mask, Or Both?
Most scientists agree that gloves, in general, create an additional barrier between yourself and the outer world. But should you wear them outside during the coronavirus pandemic? Experts in infection control are generally agreeing, based on how the virus spreads, that gloves are not necessary. Gloves should, as of April 2020, be only worn when cleaning your home (disinfecting) or working as a healthcare provider coming in contact with coronavirus patients. If wearing gloves for housekeeping, still check for breaks in protection (which can happen!), and wear as single-use. Since the virus spreads with the inhalation of respiratory droplets, there should be no issue in transmitting the virus when you go out with bare hands. Just as long as you wash your hands routinely and before touching your face – health officials feel you will stop transmission adequately. (1,2)
As for wearing masks, the CDC recommends that they can be helpful when social distancing is difficult or you are required to enter a more crowded setting (ie. grocery store, elevator). However, the benefits of wearing a mask do not mean you need a heavy-duty mask like an N95 or P100 respirator. Such specialized masks should be reserved for healthcare professionals, who are more often subject to aerosol-generating procedures. Rather, a simple surgical mask can reduce your risk of getting coronavirus.
Homemade masks are not necessarily a bad idea either. A recent study from The Lancet, an academic global health journal, shows that coronavirus can live a maximum of one-two days in cloth. This is much shorter than the estimated multiple days (up to seven) that the virus is expected to live on steel, plastic, and surgical masks. (3) Thus, if using a homemade mask, create the mask out of 100% thick, good quality cotton (ie. dish towels and tea cloths). Wash your mask at high temperatures immediately when you get home to kill any virus lingering in the fabric and follow up with a thorough hand wash. (2, 3)
False Sense Of Security?
Gloves and masks are not perfect protectors from coronavirus. In fact, wearing these items can often mislead people into thinking they are not at risk at all. This is, unfortunately, not true. (2)
Experts recommend, to ensure gloves and masks are effective in the prevention of coronavirus, we refer to the CDC’s step-by-step guides for removing personal protective equipment. (4) You must wash or sanitize your hands after the removal of any personal protective equipment. Additionally, touching the face with gloves and a mask on diminish their ability to protect you. Robert Ampler, a former CDC chief medical officer, informed the media, “The glove itself is only as good as not touching your face with the glove.” You should also not be using your cellphone with gloves, as the virus may live on the phone surface long after you have taken off the gloves! (1, 2)
Gloves and masks should not replace, at least at this point in time, the practices of quarantine, social distancing, and self-isolation.
If In Doubt, Order Delivery!
Overall, the choice to get groceries should not be taken lightly. You should not be leaving your home if you:
- Have tested positive for coronavirus or are awaiting test results.
- Have signs and symptoms of coronavirus (acute respiratory infection).
- Are vulnerable to coronavirus.
- Have been instructed to stay in by a healthcare professional.
Now, more than ever, there are many alternatives to traditional grocery shopping. You can buy online, obtain delivery from a taxi or goods company, or even look into your local community for more choices. Many volunteer groups have sprung up in the wake of coronavirus to get groceries to those who need them, but should not be going out. Some farmers have likewise stepped up to help. In an effort to skip the store, you may have a local producer in your area bring unique boxes of food right to the curb of your home. Overall, don’t be afraid to get creative and continue to be kind to one another out there! (5)
