 Need to run to the store for essential items during the shelter-in-place health order? Shop safely and prevent the spread by keeping these simple tips in mind. Take a disinfectant with you. This could be a commercial wipe, a hand sanitizer, or homemade disinfectant. Be sure to clean your hands and the cart before and after you're done shopping. Keep your distance from other shoppers. Shopping and distancing is the most important way to prevent the spread of the virus. While shopping, only pick up items that you intend to buy. Touching items leaves germs for others and puts you at risk of contact with germs. Shop during off-peak hours. This is usually early in the day. If you type the store's name and location into a Google search, frequently, a box will pop up showing the average foot traffic by hour. In addition, many grocery stores are offering delivery, pickup, or special hours for seniors. Send only one shopper from your household. Ask your neighbors that may be vulnerable for COVID-19 if you can shop for them and drop groceries off at their house. Leave children at home if possible. Although shopping can be a source of distraction, children should stay home from stores where they may touch items and come into contact with others. When checking out, pay with a card and wipe down the touchpad with your disinfectant wipe when you finish. If available, you might choose to use a virtual system like Apple Pay so you don't have to touch your wallet or touchpad. Do not bring your reusable bags to the store. Personal reusable grocery bags are no longer allowed in stores to keep store employees and the public safe. Because the COVID-19 virus can live outside the human body on surfaces like plastic for two to three days and cardboard for 24 hours, we recommend taking steps to clean food packages and fruits and vegetables before storing them in your home. To begin, place groceries on one side of your counter or table and as you clean, move them to the other side, the clean side, until all the groceries are cleaned. When cleaning packaged foods, use a disinfectant wipe or soap and water on a paper towel. Wash all surfaces of plastic wrap, cans and cardboard packages and place on the clean side of the counter. Clean fruits and vegetables by running warm water in the sink. Add dish soap or use a cleanser designed for produce. Wash fruits and vegetables as you would wash your hands. 20 seconds of scrubbing. Rinse, dry and store. At one point or another, we'll all have to travel out of the house for essential items. The key is to be smart so we can minimize the risk of spreading the virus, especially to our vulnerable populations. Together we can prevent the spread. For more information, visit srcity.org slash prevent the spread.