Is it risky going to a supermarkets?

[Flowersblue]

Is it risky to going to a supermarket? (Covid)

There is risk in everything we do. Given the current prevalence of Covid and the concern re schools, supermarkets should be the least of the worry.

It's low risk until you get someone that doesn't social.distancw correctly. You know the standing right next to you. The leaning over you to reach something.

Then your risk has just hopped up a notch or 2.

Sadly, this happens every time I've been in a shop since March and several times on each visit which is why I do a local farm shop order once a week and a super market click and collect once a fortnite and only venture into the shops when I can't get my slots.

Meal plan so you're going shopping less, write a list so you know what you need, go early or late to avoid the busier times, wash hands thoroughly when home and after putting away shopping, jobs a good'un.

Covid isn't that risky unless you are over 80 or have other issues. You are more likely to get killed in a road traffic incident on the way there or the way back

@BackforGood

Risk assessment is all about looking at possible risk, balanced against benefit. Then thinking about what you can do to mitigate that risk.

So - how important is it to pick up your shopping in person, vs getting an on-line delivery? Can you afford an on-line delivery, if on a budget and perhaps only shopping for small amounts of food (so don't trigger free delivery slots). Can you afford to shop inthe shops that do on-line, or are you tied to Lidl and Aldi ?
Can you limit the number of visits ? Pre-Covid, some people went into supermarkets 3 or 4 times a week. Can you make that once a week, or once every 10 days ?
Are you vulnerable anyway ?
Do you make sure you wash your hands properly as soon as you get in ?
Do you use the spray at the door to clean the handle of your basket trolley? Do you wear a mask ?
Can you visit at quieter times of the day ?

etc
etc
etc

An excellent and thoughtful post @BackforGood. Thank you.

I think a key issue is:
Can you limit the number of visits ? Pre-Covid, some people went into supermarkets 3 or 4 times a week. Can you make that once a week, or once every 10 days ?

Whilst all the other risks you mention are relevant, they are ALL hugely minimised by simply not going so regularly.

We have many neighbours who STILL food shop almost every day. It would be ridiculous in non-covid times. They come out with classics like: “Oh, I like to buy fresh.”

Simply put, the more contacts you make (masked or not) the more you’re at risk, and the more you’re putting others at risk.

What is really infuriating is the number of people taking all the delivery slots when they really don’t need to, they just don’t fancy going to the supermarket. We are self isolating, husband is positive and I am waiting for my result. We have been totally unable to get a slot at any supermarket anywhere 😡😡 Yet there are people openly saying on this post that they prefer delivery slots. I am sure they do, but a bit of thoughtfulness would not go amiss right now!

We were quite surprised that iceland had some fresh food and seemed to have slots last time we looked. Theres also some independent conpanies which will delivery. Here there's veg box type affair and a wholesailers that will go to the public.

I think your local gov should have a line for advice for those isolating which should have q list of available outlets still. As well as be able to help if you're stuck.

Weve now paid for a delivery pass with tesco out of fear of not getting slots.

Thank you 😊

Good luck, hope your husband doesn't have it too bad and that you're okay. Xx

Yes. It's also risky to get in a car.

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/28/60s-died-roads-last-year-no-underlying-conditions-coronavirus/

Infectious disease surrounds us all the time.

No I wouldn't say so.

Try NHS volunteers as well. If you can get clocks and collect I think they can pick up for you if you are self isolating.

Thanks everyone, Mumsnet is keeping me entertained! Oddly, I am really hoping to receive a positive result as otherwise all this will have been for nothing - both the symptoms and the isolation. At least if I have it it is over and done with.

@Flowersblue

Is it risky to going to a supermarket? (Covid)

I didn’t think it was risky til I had the misfortune of having to go to Asda last week for my Christmas food shop.

Absolute fucking carnage with no mitigations whatsoever in place.

Covid has just hit the store I work at. Wiping everyone out. One by one...

Yes, in the sense that going anywhere lots of people are is risky. At the moment I am staying home as much as is reasonable. I don't want to catch covid and when I do, I don't want to spread it.

But if I couldn't get a delivery, I'd go to the shop, mask up, and do my shopping without worrying too much.

@BananaPop2020 I prefer click and collect and, having just had COVID run through the family for the second time, I will continue using them thanks very much. Our pre Christmas (booked months in advance) delivery was bloody useful as we had just been plonked in isolation.

@Porcupineintherough firstly, as far as I am aware, click and collect is totally different from a delivery slot, so I am unsure why you felt the need to lob in the sarky ‘thanks very much’. Secondly, you prove my point with your last sentence.

@BananaPop2020

Thanks everyone, Mumsnet is keeping me entertained! Oddly, I am really hoping to receive a positive result as otherwise all this will have been for nothing - both the symptoms and the isolation. At least if I have it it is over and done with.

It's not 'over & done with' you can get it again & rather than give you immunity, they're saying it's possible to get it worse the next time.

Everything I have read says that re-infection is highly unlikely so I was going on the balance of probabilities.