Are you wiping down groceries because of the new variant?

[LaughingStock2021]

I am. Are you?

I have a shitload on my plate at the moment so haven't started digging through articles recommending it or saying it's all nonsense to do so, but with the 70% more infectious strain we are doing it. Wondered if anyone had seen anything related to the new strain and what new precautions we could take?

No, I've never wiped groceries and am not going to start doing it

I expect this thread to be full of people saying you’re neurotic, be warned!

I actually did wash everything during the first lockdown but then stopped and haven’t started again. Laziness. I really feel that I should because despite what people say, it IS a risk.

We’ve never stopped!

I used to, then stopped and haven’t started again. To be honest, I’m slightly embarrassed that I did in the first place but each to their own.

Am clinically vulnerable so probably more wary (or neurotic, depending on your stance!) than others my age.

No and I didn't do it during the first lockdown either

No. That way madness lies! Just wash hands after youve put it away.

The new variant does seem to be sending cases through the roof though, really don't want it if possible.

I started again last week

No, just washing hands after.

Yes. CV people in the household and it's quick to do.

Never stopped. It may be over cautious but it's a quick once or twice a week job.

I've never stopped cleaning all my groceries, I've been doing it all the way through. And I don't just 'wipe down', I sterilise the lot with anti-bac, including shopping bags and the handles etc. Can never be too careful and it doesn't harm anyone else, even if others consider it neurotic...
If you're worried, shielding, vulnerable or whatever, why not? Anything which makes you feel a bit safer....

It would be useful/interesting to see a study of how many people have caught CV from groceries. I would assume it would be because hand washing wasn't up to scratch?

@Robbybobtail

No. That way madness lies! Just wash hands after youve put it away.

I don't see the logic is this approach tbh though.

If there is enough virus to be dangerous on my packet of cheese for example, and I put it in the fridge and then wash my hands...that amount of virus will still be there when I pick up that packet to make my sandwich at lunchtime?

Washing your hands after unpacking the shopping doesn't break anything in the chain of transmission.

There seemed to be negligible risk with groceries with the old variant though.

Yes, never stopped.

Being even more careful when taking deliveries as many don’t wear masks and the new strain is far more contagious so presumably that also applies outdoors than previously.

I don't buy anything that isn't wrapped in a packet, a bag, or tub etc.

Its pointless. Just wash your hands after you have put it away. I assume most people wash fresh veg etc before using it and wash hands before, during and after cooking. But whatever makes people feel better. Don't use bleach though.

No just washing hands after putting the shopping away then giving fruit and veg a good wash in a colander before using. I don't wash anything else. I wouldn't judge anyone who did though.

Does anyone know if you can pick up measles from handling items that a person with measles has touched? I did read that this new variant is similarly infectious to measles.

Yes i never stopped .I have regular contact with 3 over 80s, so i do anything and everything i can, to keep them safe!

If there is enough virus to be dangerous on my packet of cheese for example, and I put it in the fridge and then wash my hands...that amount of virus will still be there when I pick up that packet to make my sandwich at lunchtime?

Is there enough virus to be dangerous though? Would you not wash your hands before you ate the sandwich?

No. I've come across no reputable advice to do this and it seems entirely unnecessary. Unnecessarily chemical exposure too.

I would have thought if this was a HUGE problem re transmission then some advice would have been issued to do it.
But if you have the time and it makes you feel better crack on.

I do but am vulnerable. People can call me crazy but why wouldn’t I do something that potentially reduces the risk of me catching it and putting additional pressure on the NHS?