Being out in public is a bit like that kid game Lava where you can’t touch the floor. Only this time it’s you can’t touch anything someone else touched.
Please note I am not a medical person. I have studied hygiene and infection control for child settings.
GROCERY SHOPPING No trolley or basket. I take my own bag or two… Fill those. Not much, but that’s long enough in there anyway, especially as idiots keep getting into my social distance bubble. Take your own fruit and vegetable bags to face touching any there.
INCIDENTAL TOUCHING be mindful not to touch anything you don’t need to. Leaning on shelves, touching the counter.
DON’T TAKE KIDS as they touch everything. If you’ve got no choice give them an ipad or phone to buddy their hands. Even consider putting a child into a stroller even if they’re older.
JOKE (MAYBE NOT JOKING?) take a broom stick and dress like witch. People will think you’re a freak and stay away… If they don’t keep away whack them with your broomstick. Try cackling…
FOOD: I also don’t buy anything in the open that can’t be washed with vinegar or peeled. Think about how many apples people reject and put back down. Avoid things like lettuce out in the open. I’m a HUGE environmentalist but I’m now buying prepackaged plastic wrapped as I know they weren’t coughed on.
EFTPOS When paying use eftpos. If you have to use the pin pad to key your pin number in then immeditely sanitise.
FUEL THE CAR Using a Pump handle: Step 1 remove your car petrol cap, Step 2 wear a glove to hold nozzle and select quantity if desired. Step 3 when you’ve finished fueling, replace nozzle. BEFORE you replace your car fuel cap remove your now potentially contaminated glove. If you didn’t have a glove then sanitise your hands BEFORE touching your fuel cap on your car.
DOORS AND LIFTS whenever possible use your shoulder to open a door. Elbow for lift button. If it has a handle or small button use your top covering your littlest finger to operate it. Sanitise after if you’re unsure.
TAPS Use your forearm to use a lever style handle. If you must use a twist handle especially in Public bathroom wash the handle with your soapy hand so that it’s clean to turn it off.
ARRIVING HOME immediately wash your hands. Wipe over your door handle with disinfectant. Remove your shoes.
HOME Unpack and “clean” groceries: immediately wash all fresh produce in a vinegar mix. Use a cloth with disinfectant to wipe over all other groceries- tins, cereal boxes etc. Anything anyone might have touched.
If you’re worried about airborn germs wear a mask.
SMILE and nod to greet people. A little kindness goes a long way in troubled times.
Rosie House 