If you have ever been concerned that a quick trip to the local grocery store could be an invitation for the coronavirus to enter your home, you are not alone.
According to Washington State University Extension, they continue to field questions about the risks associated with bringing groceries home, and if the virus could be found on products we purchase. Margaret Viebrock with WSU Extension says that if you are concerned, you can wash your produce before putting it away, but make sure you wash the correct way. That starts by using cool to warm running water.
According to Viebrock, “Using a scrub brush if you’re cleaning the outside of a cantaloupe. On a watermelon, you can just use your hands but stay away from any types of soaps or detergents because it’s not safe...And if you spray something on your lettuce or Romaine, you would never get it washed off because all of those foods are porous, and they’ll just assimilate...”
Viebrock says that for non-perishable items, leave them in a safe space for a few hours, killing any strands of virus that may be there, but that is not the only way you can help stave off COVID-19 from groceries you purchase. You can help your family by having one location where you unpack your groceries.
From there, it is important to wash your hands. You can also keep your family safe by limiting the trips you take to the grocery store.
For all updates on the Coronavirus and how it impacts Rural America, visit our Coronavirus outbreak hub.