Last updated: 18 May 2020 at 11.55am
When shopping, the main risk is coming into contact with an infected person.
Follow good hygiene practices and minimise contact with people outside of your household.
Read about how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus.
Face coverings
Wearing a face covering when shopping is recommended. This is because it can be difficult to practice social distancing when in a shop.
But face coverings are not suitable for everyone. It is ok if some people choose not to wear them.
Face coverings are not suitable for children under the age of 13 or people with special needs who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing one.
Read more about cloth face coverings, medical masks and disposable gloves
Stay at home if you’re at higher risk
Do not go out shopping if you are:
- feeling unwell
- at higher risk from coronavirus
- cocooning
If you are cocooning or at higher risk from coronavirus, do your grocery shopping online or ask someone to go for you.
If you need help, you can also contact your local County Council. They have community support in place to help deliver essential items.
Read more about how Local Authorities can help you during the coronavirus outbreak.
Reduce your risk when shopping
Try to limit shopping trips to once a week. This reduces your risk of getting coronavirus or spreading it to others.
No reported cases of coronavirus have been linked to contaminated food. Animals or animal products legally imported into the EU are not a health risk from coronavirus.
Follow these steps to reduce your risk of getting coronavirus or spreading it to others.
When shopping
- Use the sanitiser provided for your hands and trolley or basket.
- Remember to avoid touching your face.
- Wearing a face covering is recommended for most people over 13 years old - but you do not have to wear one.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Follow social distancing guidelines - keep 2 metres distance between yourself and others in queues and while shopping.
- Pay by card instead of cash and use contactless payment if possible.
After shopping
- Wash your hands properly.
- Put away your shopping.
- Wash your hands again.
Respecting others
Only buy what you need - stores will be restocked daily.
Do not go shopping during dedicated shopping times that are in place for healthcare workers and carers.
Delivery and collection services are very important for people who are cocooning and not able to leave their homes. Please only book delivery slots if you need to.
Shopping for someone else
If you have been shopping for a vulnerable person:
- leave the shopping on their doorstep
- ring the bell or phone them
- stand back while they collect it