Here are some tips and requests for grocery shoppers during the COVID-19 pandemic from Robert Maddix, who works at the Trader Joe’s store on Merrimon Avenue:
- “Do not make a trip to the grocery store unless (you) have a substantial list of essential items.” Maddix says he sees a few customers coming every day or two for a small number of items, increasing their risk and that of employees.
- “Shop alone. Do not bring in your spouse or your children if at all possible.” More people means more breathing and more exposure, plus it means it will take longer for other shoppers to be able to get into a store that has reached its capacity.
- Don’t forget to stay 6 feet away from others.
- You’ll have to bag your own groceries if you bring your own bags because workers want to avoid bags that could be contaminated. Some other stores are encouraging shoppers not to bring their own bags during the pandemic.
- “Customers are really tiring of this crisis. Sometimes people can be short with us. … Be courteous to grocery store workers. We’re under a lot of stress, too.”
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