Running Essential Errands during COVID-19

Every day communities are working hard to slow down the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the number of trips each person takes to places like the grocery store, restaurants, banks, gas stations and doctors offices.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides some advice as to how to keep you and your family safe while still meeting household needs.

Grocery Shopping

• ​Order online or use curbside pickup
• Stay at least six feet away from other shoppers especially in the checkout line
• Visit the grocery store when fewer people will be there, in the early morning or late night
• Disinfect the shopping cart when entering the store
• Use touchless payments (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad ).  If you must, use hand sanitizer right after paying

Deliveries and Takeout Orders

• Limit the in-person contact.  Try to pay online or over the phone and ask for deliveries to be left in a safe spot outside your house.
• After receiving takeout orders or deliveries, make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer

Banking

• Bank online as much as possible!
• Wipe off the ATM keyboard with a disinfecting wipe before using it
• Wash your hands when you're done using the ATM machine

Going to the Gas Station

• Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before touching them
• Visit full service gas stations (if possible)

Visiting the Doctor or Getting Medicine

• Use telemedicine or communicate with your doctor over email or the phone
• Talk to your doctor about rescheduling procedures that are not urgent

Visiting the Doctor or Getting Medicine

• Use telemedicine or communicate with your doctor over email or the phone
• Talk to your doctor about rescheduling procedures that are not urgent
• If you believe you have COVID-19, inform the office so they can take the correct steps to keep you and others safe
• Order and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time
• Use drive-thru windows and curbside services
• Check with your doctor  and pharmacist to see if you can get a larger supply of your medicine so you do not have to visit the pharmacy often

For more information, please visit cdc.gov.  The CDC has great advice for people who need to take extra precautions and who may be at high risk for illness.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "Running Essential Errands"