topic Re: Returning to Instore Shopping in Community Chat

Returning to Instore Shopping

PickyPicky3 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 17:32:50 GMT

It's been three weeks since my second vaccine. I'm at the top of the at-risk charts, and my father, two of his siblings and a cousin all died of the flu (pre-pandemic) with similar medical profiles. I've taken this past year very seriously.

Returning to instore shopping does not have to be an all-or-none proposition. So far I've gone to the pharmacy and picked up Chinese takeout. I won't go into busy supermarkets or big box stores.

I am yearning to choose my own meats and produce. So tired of getting super family sized chicken thighs with a use-by date the next day or overly ripe tomatoes. So I'm thinking about going into a small market (Aldi or Lidl) for perishables and continuing to use curbside pickup for everything else.

My area has a Covid positivity rate of almost 7% and lots of UK variant.

For those of you who have been completely quarantined and are fully vaccinated, how are you making your "coming out" decisions?

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

SilleeMee — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 17:51:16 GMT

The positivity rate in my area is close to 6% and it has been rising in the last few weeks. My state had the first case of the UK variant so that means we have had quite a few more since it was first discovered here. State officials recently reported 30% of the cases here are the UK and California variant types... both very contagious.

I'll be picking up my food curbside for a while.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

scatcat — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 17:39:38 GMT

I don't have advice for you but your post bought a tear to my eye. I hope you can start doing the small things we took for granted before the pandemic.

I am happy you are fully vaccinated. Like you, I am looking forward to better, normal days 💕

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

suzyQ3 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 17:56:48 GMT

This is such an individual decision. My husband and I, although seniors, have no underlying issues that would make us more vulnerable than just our age.

We are both immunized. We aren't going out just to go out, but I am now shopping for groceries. Like you, I've pretty much had it with delivery. Masks are still mandated in stores, and everyone seems to comply.

If you really are eager to go grocery shopping, what about going at a time when there aren't crowds? Wear one or two masks and sanitize well.

However, if you're going to become extremely worried, then it might not be worth it just yet.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

Linmo — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 18:01:22 GMT

@PickyPicky3 Do you live near a Trader Joe's? At least in our area, they limit the number of people that can be in the store at one time. I stop there at night twice a week since I don't want to wait in line. I only get a few things and am in and out in less than 10 minutes. They also don't allow customers to bag their own items. I feel very safe shopping there.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

gidgetgh — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 18:51:23 GMT

While I have used Instacart delivery maybe 10 times in the last year, I usually shop in person.

To do my grocery shopping, I go very early. A few times, when they open at 7. But usually more like 8 or 8:30. Quick in and out. I also go to Target early. Not THAT early but early. Get what I need and leave.

Yesterday and again today, I really went wild and went to a spring open house at a nearby gift shop. Wore my mask of course and while there were other customers, it wasn't wall to wall. I wouldn't have stayed if it were crowded.

While I have not eaten in a restaurant in over a year and don't feel comfortable doing that yet, I am giving thought to going to the mall next week, early morning, won't be busy, to get some exercise, walk the mall and see what stores made it and which didn't.

I am fully vaccinated.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

Still Raining — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 18:19:49 GMT

I am at risk and vaccined, but still live by the rule of keeping well away from unvaccinated and/or unmasked people.

So the only thing new is seeing a few people I know well, which is wonderful.

Would not dream of entering a store or restaurant. Maybe by the end of the year.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 18:42:44 GMT

I have developed a great relationship with the staff at my local grocery who pick and load my order. They are careful to choose exactly what I list, and even include handwritten notes to thank me and wish me a good day. Initially I was worried that I would not approve of their choices of meat and produce, but my explicit notes proved to result in quality ingredients. I tend to buy the same items every week, so my order has probably become easy to gather.

I am in no hurry to return to in-person grocery shopping. But I do look forward to fresh Wisconsin eggs and produce purchased at a local farmstand this summer.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

Abrowneyegirl — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 18:50:43 GMT

Please do not bring on stress it is not good for your health.

Wear your mask and wash your hands and do not touch your face when out an about.

I am also I high risk and still, I am not to get the vac. as they feel it will only put me at greater risk for long-term side effects. But I still go out and about almost daily.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

On It — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 18:59:46 GMT

Congratulations on being fully vaccinated! My husband and I waited until we passed the three week mark after our second shot before going out. We are going to the drive thru window for take out which we had not done for a year. Our first outing to the grocery was before our governor removed the mask mandate and felt safer than I expected. It was so nice to select our own meat and produce. Since I am also at high risk, I am hesitant to go into a public space now that masks are no longer required by our state, so their use is difficult to enforce. The variants are a different, unknown risk. We will double mask for drive thru and curbside pickup. I think caution needs to be exercised next week since many in our city traveled for Spring Break. I have learned to watch the hospitalization numbers as well as the positive tests. If both start rising, we will stay home.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

PickyPicky3 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 19:22:48 GMT

@On It Welcome to the forums and thank you for responding to my post. I look forward to seeing more of your opinions here.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

Suzy Q from PA — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 19:37:51 GMT

Both my husband and myself have been fully vaccinated for over a month and I do not care if I ever shop instore again ! I just hope stores like Target will continue drive up, etc after pandemic is over. It is a dream come true having groceries show up at my doorstep ! I have been pleased with Instacart and Giant Eagle grocery chain taking such good care of us !

PS I did receive the wrong order once. Because of covid they could not exchange so told me to keep/ donate wrong order. Must have been family with kids- our local food bank was thrilled. My new order arrived within two hours !

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

Snowpuppy — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 20:19:48 GMT

@Suzy Q from PA couldn't agree more! If I never have to venture into a big box anything it'll be too soon! I've taken advantage of online ordering, delivery and drive up grocery pickup as well as Target runs.

@deepwaterdotter has a great idea in that farmers markets will be opening soon. I take advantage of the markets when open. Depending on the market, you can also find farm eggs, cheeses and fresh baked goods.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

turtle52 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 21:00:44 GMT

DH and I got our second vaccines on Tuesday. When the two weeks are up we will follow the new CDC guidelines of what you can do and what you still shouldn't do. I am sure that the guidelines will be revised many times as more people are vaccinated and herd immunity is finally reached.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

suzyQ3 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 21:09:39 GMT

@turtle52 wrote:
DH and I got our second vaccines on Tuesday. When the two weeks are up we will follow the new CDC guidelines of what you can do and what you still shouldn't do. I am sure that the guidelines will be revised many times as more people are vaccinated and herd immunity is finally reached.

ITA, @turtle52 However, the CDC doesn't weigh in as to instore shopping or eating inside restaurants.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

granddi — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 21:37:09 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
This is such an individual decision. My husband and I, although seniors, have no underlying issues that would make us more vulnerable than just our age.

We are both immunized. We aren't going out just to go out, but I am now shopping for groceries. Like you, I've pretty much had it with delivery. Masks are still mandated in stores, and everyone seems to comply.

If you really are eager to go grocery shopping, what about going at a time when there aren't crowds? Wear one or two masks and sanitize well.

However, if you're going to become extremely worried, then it might not be worth it just yet.

We are fully vaccinated seniors. Our tolerance level for taking risks has been effected by personally knowing 2 people who have died as a result of COVID and 2 who have had serious disease (months in the hospital). Those things have given us pause as to which activities are in our comfort level.

Last week we went to Target very early and the store was very empty. We saw one shopper with out mask. We wore double masks, wiped the cart and stayed away from others. It was s simple pleasure to select apples! We were in the store for about 40 minutes and agreed that it was a good outing.

We have eaten totally outdoors a few times.

Yesterday I masked up and went into Talbots and spent about 20 minutes. A clerk greeted a customer who said "I would like to just look around. I have not been in the store for one year"

Texas has lifted mask mandates.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

suzyQ3 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 22:03:59 GMT

@granddi wrote:
@suzyQ3 wrote:
This is such an individual decision. My husband and I, although seniors, have no underlying issues that would make us more vulnerable than just our age.

We are both immunized. We aren't going out just to go out, but I am now shopping for groceries. Like you, I've pretty much had it with delivery. Masks are still mandated in stores, and everyone seems to comply.

If you really are eager to go grocery shopping, what about going at a time when there aren't crowds? Wear one or two masks and sanitize well.

However, if you're going to become extremely worried, then it might not be worth it just yet.
We are fully vaccinated seniors. Our tolerance level for taking risks has been effected by personally knowing 2 people who have died as a result of COVID and 2 who have had serious disease (months in the hospital). Those things have given us pause as to which activities are in our comfort level.

Last week we went to Target very early and the store was very empty. We saw one shopper with out mask. We wore double masks, wiped the cart and stayed away from others. It was s simple pleasure to select apples! We were in the store for about 40 minutes and agreed that it was a good outing.

We have eaten totally outdoors a few times.

Yesterday I masked up and went into Talbots and spent about 20 minutes. A clerk greeted a customer who said "I would like to just look around. I have not been in the store for one year"

Texas has lifted mask mandates.

@granddi, I have to say that I feel fortunate that we still have mask mandates here in California. And I have not encountered any unmasked people when I shop for groceries. But as I understand it, my wearing a mask primarily prevents others from possibly getting the undetected (asymptomatic) virus from me. Either way, it helps me feel safer.

We are all going through this transition based on our comfort level. I'm still finding mine. :-)

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

Another new name Sue — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 22:44:37 GMT

@PickyPicky3

I'm pretty much where you are as far as going out. I have been to the nursery, outside of course. Also the pharmacy. These for the first time in a year. Oh, also Trader Joes.

Here's what I do.....double mask or N95 if you have one, go early when they open (even if its 6 am) with fewer shoppers, take a list, get in and out, don't linger. If you take a list, you won't get home and say you forgot something. That's what I did at Trader Joes. If you don't go early, you'll be nervous around other shoppers. Mask off, hand sanitize in the car. Bagging will depend on your market's procedures.

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

River Song — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 23:10:38 GMT

I am more comfortable shopping in a big box store like a Costco or Wal-Mart as long as it's not at a busy time, such as very early or at dinnertime, and definitely not on the weekends. I figure a warehouse store has more airspace so the concentration of covid germs I'm likely to be exposed to is greatly reduced. I haven't been in an Aldi's, Publix, or Trader Joe's in over a year. The most people I've been around in a year was this afternoon at CVS when I received my first vaccine shot!

Re: Returning to Instore Shopping

pigletsmom — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 23:23:11 GMT

Since you're vaccinated I'd say you are safe to go to the grocery store. I've been going to the store for the entire time, probably twice a week, with no problem. People tend to be good about not hovering over others so you really just have to deal with passing people in the aisles and the odds are slim that you'd be infected that way. Go when the stores are less busy, although I'd recommend that no matter what. I like to make my shopping quick, virus or no virus.