COVID-19: tips on maintaining hygiene and social distancing while shopping for essentials

Stepping out once in a while to get essentials might be a necessity, but you have to keep in mind that until the current public health emergency subsides completely you cannot and should not step out every day. Going for a quick jog or a leisurely walk is not an option during a lockdown. And when you do need to step out, taking the following precautions will help you avoid the risk of contracting COVID-19 - or any other infection for that matter.

• Choose the healthiest person at home to step out to get essentials. This person’s immune system should be strong, and they should not be suffering from any other diseases.
• Make a comprehensive list of everything you need. Put some thought into it, because you cannot step out every day. (Read more: How to eat healthy during a lockdown)
• Find out which shops closest to you are open currently and visit only them. Travelling distances to get essentials might not be a viable option during a lockdown.
• Carry a sanitizer or gloves if you feel the shop surfaces are high-risk. Wear a mask, even if it's a homemade face cover. If you’re using gloves during summer, you might want to put them on right before you enter a shop or approach a vendor. (Read more: How to make hand sanitizer at home)
• Carry a large, reusable cloth bag to get the essentials in. You can easily disinfect the bag once you come back.

Read more: How useful are masks against COVID-19 and how to use them

Once you step out to get essentials, you must remember all the necessary precautions and preventive measures you need to take. This is not an ordinary, everyday shopping spree, so stay focused on the task and get back home as soon as you’re done with buying the essentials. Take the following precautions while you’re out to get essentials.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving home.
• Maintain a one-metre to four-metre distance from everyone else.
• Avoid touching as many surfaces as you can.
• Do not touch any part of your face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth. If you’re wearing a mask, do not touch its surface. (Read more: How to stop touching your face to avoid infection)
• Make sure the products you’re buying are fresh and properly packed.
• Don’t travel far from home to buy essentials.
• Use a private vehicle or walk to the nearby stores instead of using public transportation.

Coming back home after getting essentials during a lockdown due to COVID-19 can be a bit stressful, especially if you’re worried about carrying the infection back to your family. This is the reason why taking ample precautions is important. Take the following steps the moment you come back home.

• Avoid touching any surfaces at home until you've washed your hands with soap and water.
• If you wore gloves or mask to do your shopping, remember to take them off without touching their outer surfaces. Discard these in a closed-lid bin after single use.
• Carefully unpack all the groceries and essentials. Clean the packets of packaged products and wash fresh ingredients thoroughly before putting them away. (Read more: How to wash fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic)
• Disinfect the bag properly.
• Wash your hands again after handling the essentials and storing them away.
• Disinfect any surfaces or objects you may have touched.
• Clean and disinfect your refrigerator and storage areas regularly.

Doctors say the main area of concern is your hands. As long as you wash them - and things that came from outside - properly you should be okay.

That said, a shower never hurt anyone, especially during summer.

Shower with warm water and soak your clothes in a bucket of warm water and disinfectant for extra caution, but remember, there's no need to panic.