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. You still need to build and maintain an immune system, I don’t wash fruit or veg either unless it is obviously covered in dirt.

Noc CEV and never have. I really think it would tip me into absolute paranoia. Absolutely each to their own though. I just know I'd start to get obsessive about stuff and life is difficult enough without that. For me it would be a disaster for others a comfort/sensible precaution.

I wipe groceries down yes. I stopped for a while in the summer, early Autumn but restarted a few weeks ago. I find it gives peace of mind and doesn't take that long .

[quote Upupupintheair]@CandyLeBonBon where I worked (and I won’t name names) trolleys (for the pickers) and totes (the food crates which the shopping is delivered in) were never sanitised, we had to wear masks in store, but they weren’t compulsory in the warehouse, no social distancing and Covid was rife - that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I left because I felt unsafe.[/quote]
Fair enough. Definitely not like that where I'm working, which I'm glad about.

Nope and never have. I don't have time for that. Unpacking takes long enough

@dementedpixie

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

Ditto. But then I drink my coffee and eat my lunch in the same room I treat patients (when they aren't in it) so it's amazing I'm still breathing.

I'm not, but considering I've caught a cold when I haven't left the house since new years eve (other than for a walk and to drop DS at the door of the nursery) and no one else in the house has a cold, it does make me think maybe it's a good idea!

No, No and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo

@Robbybobtail

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

But the virus can still be alive a few hours later when you get the milk out (or something else) . Do you wash your hands every time you've touched something you've bought?

I throw all the packages away if possible, disinfect the rest.
There's quite a few outbreaks related to cold chain/logistic workers. I know the risk it low, just want to be careful.

@CatVsChristmasTree But then I drink my coffee and eat my lunch in the same room I treat patients (when they aren't in it) so it's amazing I'm still breathing.

Even before Covid this breaches infection control guidelines. I used to run community clinic buildings and the infection control team were constantly reprimanding HCPs who did this for a huge variety of clinic types. It really is gross and I'm amazed you would admit that on here.

Nope.

Did start doing it March but then read reports saying fomite transmission was low.

We get a delivery once a week on a Friday evening and it's out away so I don't really touch it (except for the wine and chicks) for 12 hrs anyway.

Spraying all your food packaging with chemicals to me lies the way of madness. Also not great for the environment or our immune system.

Having said that I can understand why CeV people would think it an extra precaution.

I did, then stopped, then started again this week.

Yes we do

I did in lockdown 1 but stopped over the summer and never started again. Partly as I’d read that risk of transmission via groceries was low.

However I’m also wondering whether the new variant makes it worth starting again...

No and never did as would take to long and how do you wash bread and carboard boxes etc

do you wash bread and carboard boxes etc

Obviously you don't. You discard any wrapping that is possible to be discarded. I re-package food into my own bags if possible. Some things that aren't practical to take out of their boxes go into quarantine for several days.

Never did it the first time. I live with someone who is CEV. We wash hands and use hand sanitiser regularly.

Not since April. I wash my hands when I come in, and again when I’ve finished putting groceries away. No one in our household has had covid yet.

Didn’t stop! I figure, not worth the risk. Everything you get from shop has been handled by at least two people, possibly recently before purchase.

I've done this since the beginning.

I'd be interested to know how many people who wash shopping also work outside the home. My guess is almost none. I touch so many things at work that other people could touch or cough on it seems like really pointless "hygiene theatre" to do so.

We have wiped everything coming into the house since February with Dettol, all groceries and all post. It may not be a large risk, and it is a pain, but I am CV and we have always done our best to minimise any possible transmission risks - why wouldn't we?

We haven't been in anyone's house/car since February either. Only seen family at 2m+ in the garden when we were allowed to. Wear masks when out of the house, wash hands regularly, all carry hand sanitiser etc. Dh has had to work throughout so he has been Dettoling his work van/site office regularly and I regularly Dettol all touch points in the house - door/cupboard handles etc.

Maybe I'm neurotic, but I am also diabetic with disabled dc that I am a full time carer for, I do not want to have to go to hospital right now!

No but I remembered to wash my hands after putting it away, trust me that's not usually the case (had covid in March so no overly worried)

Never have. Never will.