Get your groceries. But be smart about it.

We know -- tonight’s dinner would be much-improved with a dab of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro, and you forgot both on your last trip to the store. But you shouldn’t run back for just one or two items. Try to shop for groceries once a week. 

When you go, shorten the trip by making a list. While shopping, try to keep your distance from other people. If you can, sanitize the handle of your grocery cart with a wipe or some hand sanitizer. Don’t touch your face while shopping, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after you leave the store. Wash your hands when you get home, disinfect kitchen surfaces after you put the groceries away, and wipe down your phone’s screen if you used it in the store (we know you did, and that’s okay).

If you are older or otherwise at-risk, consider online grocery shopping or asking someone you know to shop for you. Consumer Reports reviews grocery delivery services, some of which offer “contactless” delivery. Your chances of contracting COVID-19 through delivery are low if you have the deliverer leave the food at your door, pay online with a credit card instead of cash, and wash your hands before you eat. Many stores have also implemented early shopping hours for older shoppers. 

While there’s no harm in disinfecting your groceries, it’s probably not necessary. Although it is possible for bacteria and viruses (including the novel coronavirus) to hitch a ride on your groceries, simply washing your hands and cleaning kitchen surfaces after putting groceries away is enough to prevent any pathogens from making you sick. 

Last updated March 29, 2020 at 7:00pm ET

Science review: JAB, GSN