Corona Virus and Ramadan Grocery Shopping
In most areas of Pakistan, and the world, the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in lockdowns and social isolation. People have been asked to stop going to mosques and other places of worship and governments have recommended against hanging out with friends, visiting older friends or relatives, as well as travel between cities, or even houses.
The month of Ramadan is upon us and iftar gatherings, regularly praying in the mosque and sehri plans all have been put to a stop. One thing that can’t be put to a stop though, is grocery shopping for Ramadan. I’ve seen people carelessly go out in the name of grocery shopping so many times through my social media accounts, because, hello, social distancing! Anyway, one really doesn’t need to go out for grocery shopping, when online grocery stores exist. Howmuch.pk has even come up with Ramadan grocery packages so you can save money while buying all the essentials you need for Ramadan!
Still, if you think it is essential for you to go grocery shopping amidst the corona outbreak, you should keep the following things in mind:
These aren’t normal times when it was safe and even enjoyable for some, to go out for grocery shopping at supermarkets, move around your shopping trolley from aisle to aisle casually browsing through products, determining whether you need them or not. COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus which spread the most through community gatherings. It can also live on surfaces from hours to days, and thus, you are risking if you decide to go grocery shopping or going out just because you are ‘bored’. You need to make a list of the items you need to buy, buy them quickly and then get back home!
Only One Family Member should Go:
Keep in mind that you aren’t going for a field trip. You do not need the company of your friends and family members on ‘essentials shopping trips’. Plus, the more people you have with you, the more time it will take shopping as different people have different opinions. As shopkeepers are allowing a small number of people inside stores, you could be causing others to unnecessarily wait for their turn. We need to be mindful of others during these hard times.
Wear Masks and Gloves:
Please don’t try to call yourself ‘brave’ if you go outside without taking the necessary precautions. You are actually being reckless, stupid and a danger to others. You need to have face masks, gloves and even a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you leave your house. It is advised to change your mask regularly and discard your gloves after each use. Protect yourself and others by fighting against coronavirus.
Adhere to Social Distancing:
Supermarkets and stores have placed stickers to indicate the distance you need to maintain from other shoppers. It is your responsibility to follow them. You also need to stay awry from the counter while making payments and while standing in a waiting line, stand at least 6 feet away.
When you Get Back Home:
As soon as you get home, before contacting any family member, change from your clothes in an isolated area, make sure to not wear the shoes you had been out with into your home. Clean them with disinfectant wipes before entering the house. Wash your hands after you have handled your dirty clothes and shoes. Make sure to shower before interacting with another human being in your house, to protect them!
The Takeaway:
I would still recommend shopping grocery online as it just protects yourself and those you love from the corona virus’s threat. Services like howmuch.pk deliver your groceries the same day you place the order, so there’s no need to go outside for grocery shopping. Do check out the Ramadan packages on the site, as it has nearly everything you need for Ramadan at very reasonable prices!
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