While it’s always a good idea to take extra safety precautions when shopping during the holidays, it’s especially important this upcoming holiday season with Covid-19 being added to the mix. With only a little bit of time left before the holiday shopping rush begins, experts have already said that holiday shopping will look entirely different this year.
From suggestions such as starting your shopping early to do the majority of your gift buying online, shopping this year is looking just a little bit scary. Below you’ll find a few safety precautions for shopping that will make it a little easier on you and your family amid the Covid outbreak this holiday season.
Follow CDC recommendations.
The first thing you should always do is do your shopping according to CDC recommendations. They have published detailed advice on what you should do when running errands during the pandemic. This same advice can be followed and used effectively during your holiday shopping as well. You can find a few of these recommendations below.
- Always wear a mask
- Practice social distancing, keep six feet between you and everyone else shopping at all times
- Take hand sanitizer with you and use it before, during, and after you leave the store
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you get home
If you’ve had Covid or breathing problems associated with Covid, then you need to take more safety precautions. You can also check for updates for clinical trials that study things like gimsilumab in Covid-19 patients. If you’ve had a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19, then keeping abreast of clinical studies is in your best interest. You can find updates about what is going on and how you can help and be helped at this site.
Shop online as much as possible.
Many people already do most of their holiday shopping online, so it’s not that much of a hassle to do all their Christmas shopping at different sites. You can buy what you want from the comfort of your couch, have it delivered to your doorstep, and never have to worry about coming in contact with a crowd of people at the stores.
One tip to follow is to shop early online this holiday season. Since more and more people will be shopping online than ever before, stocks could be low and deliveries may not come in on time. If you order early, then you have a cushion just in case something is delayed. After all, you don’t want to end up on Christmas morning with someone in your family without a gift.
Get in-store shopping done early.
The one thing that probably won’t change much over the holiday season is people shopping at the last minute. If you have to shop at the stores, then try to go as early as possible, get in, get out, and make sure to follow all safety precautions as well. It will also help to shop during the off-hours, such as at opening, late at night, and right before closing. The stores are also less busy during the weekdays when most people are at work.
Stay home if you’re sick.
Staying home if you’re sick cannot be stressed enough. If you have symptoms of a cold, the flu, or even a stomach virus, your immune system is low and you have a greater chance of becoming infected. You also may never know if you have contracted Covid, so staying home when you don’t feel well protects others also.
These are just a few safety precautions to follow for safe Christmas shopping during Covid this holiday season. Covid has gotten everyone down, but the holidays can still be merry and bright with just a little preparation.
