COVID-19 and the Smart Way to Shop this Holiday season

online shopping on phone

Black Friday will look very different this year. In the past, friends and family would gather and shoppers would camp outside of stores, eagerly awaiting the chance to get in first and make those deals. Times have changed. This year is anything but normal. With the COVID-19 pandemic stores are offering more deals than ever online, and we advise against unnecessary trips to the store. 

During Black Friday shopping, it is strongly recommended individuals do not participate in any traditional Black Friday shopping where customers gather in large groups waiting for the store to open or are in crowded stores for extended times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified “shopping at crowded stores just before, on or after Thanksgiving” on a list of higher-risk activities to avoid. Any large gathering of people poses an increased risk for spreading COVID-19. It is also recommended that people who are at high risk for COVID-19 complications (e.g., people over 65 years of age or with underlying chronic conditions) limit in-person shopping if possible.

If you do plan to visit the stores to shop, here are some safety recommendations to keep in mind:

Before You Go Shopping: 

  • Check to see if the store offers online shopping or curbside pick-up that can be used instead of in-person shopping
  • Check to see the store hours and consider going at off-times, so there are fewer people in the store
  • Check to see if the stores offer special hours for people with high risk for severe illness 
  • Wear a cloth face mask and bring hand sanitizer with you to the store

When You Are Out Shopping: 

  • Follow the three important rules: Wear a face covering, Wait Six Feet from other people, and Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer 
  • Use hand sanitizer before you enter the store and after you exit. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you return home.
  • Have a list of items to buy to limit browsing and do not unnecessarily touch multiple items 
  • Shop only in stores that have implemented proper safety protocols. Examples include but are not limited to stores that: 
    • Sanitize shopping carts between uses
    • Use touchless payment methods
    • Limit occupancy o Have social-distancing reminders in-place

We wish for your family a season filled with good health and happiness! Visit our injury prevention tip page to learn more