Grocery Shopping

[+ tassojunior]

Anything covering our mouth/nose area is more for protecting others than protecting you from them. If you are sick or unknowingly infected, it cuts down the amount of airborne droplets you unknowingly are spreading to uninfected people. Only first responders or those constantly interacting with lots of people (essential workers) need to wear N95 rated masks to enhanced protection. Wearing a masks also significantly cuts down on our habit of touching our face which is the primary means this virus is spread. Don't think any of us realized just much we touch our face out of blind habit until this all happened. Washing your hands will save your life. Do it anytime a dirty thought cross your mind and you will be breeze thru this.

+1

 

I get furious that people don't wear masks around others . No one knows who has the virus and is spreading it but we do know a huge number do and it's much more contagious than anything we've experienced before. Not wearing a mask is a huge Fuck You to people you pass or go in a store with. If masks were law here, as in several countries, our infection and death rate may be halved.

Edited April 12, 2020 by tassojunior

[nomad]

I get furious that people don't wear masks around others . No one knows who has the virus and is spreading it but we do know a huge number do and it's much more contagious than anything we've experienced before. Not wearing a mask is a huge Fuck You to people you pass or go in a store with. If masks were law here, as in several countries, our infection and death rate may be halved.

Agree 100%. LA requires it. I suspect the rest of California will follow suit soon too. Czech Republic was the first in Europe to do this and they are the first to slowly re-open things. Of course, they are blessed with the genetic gene pool of the porn gods. Even if they all had paper bags over their heads, their whole country on average would still look better than almost anyone else's naked.

[cany10011]

Agree 100%. LA requires it. I suspect the rest of California will follow suit soon too. Czech Republic was the first in Europe to do this and they are the first to slowly re-open things. Of course, they are blessed with the genetic gene pool of the porn gods. Even if they all had paper bags over their heads, their whole country on average would still look better than almost anyone else's naked.

 

Wearing a face mask is a social contract with others: I won’t spread my germs, if you don‘t spread yours. It only works if everyone participates. Unfortunately, the US is not a homogeneous society and there will always be those who do not follow rules.

[+ Charlie]

I went to three different chain drug stores yesterday looking for a thermometer--all of them were sold out--but at each one there was a sign at the entrance that they would not serve anyone who tried to enter without a mask.

[RealAvalon]

Olive oil. Not because I need it right now, but because it stores well and I might need it in a month.

[+ bashful]

Regarding masks, the problem is getting them. All local stores, and retailer’s websites are sold out. Last two times I went to the grocery store, wore a winter scarf.

 

Back on the 7th, I went on Amazon and ordered a box of 50 masks, and 3 washable masks. Amazon said the box would arrive between 15th and 20th, and washable masks would not arrive until the 30th at the earliest. Checked today, and all it says for the box of 50 is “label created, not yet in system” (USPS), and for the washable masks, just says “label created“ (UPS) in China. That was the same info I got when I looked at the tracking info on the 9th, and on the 10th. And, I paid for expedited shipping for the box of masks which was about $35, while the cost of the box of masks was $24 or thereabouts. I think I’ve been scammed and will never see them.

 

So, on the 10th, I searched online some more, and found a box of 50 at Newegg.com. They limit sales to one box only. A couple bucks cheaper than Amazon, and no extra charge for shipping. Tracked it yesterday, and it says “in transit” from California, should get it by Thursday, the 14th. Keeping my fingers crossed. Those winter scarfs and old pillow case bandanas are hard to breath through without fogging up my glasses.

[RealAvalon]

I

Regarding masks, the problem is getting them. All local stores, and retailer’s websites are sold out. Last two times I went to the grocery store, wore a winter scarf.

 

Back on the 7th, I went on Amazon and ordered a box of 50 masks, and 3 washable masks. Amazon said the box would arrive between 15th and 20th, and washable masks would not arrive until the 30th at the earliest. Checked today, and all it says for the box of 50 is “label created, not yet in system” (USPS), and for the washable masks, just says “label created“ (UPS) in China. That was the same info I got when I looked at the tracking info on the 9th, and on the 10th. And, I paid for expedited shipping for the box of masks which was about $35, while the cost of the box of masks was $24 or thereabouts. I think I’ve been scammed and will never see them.

 

So, on the 10th, I searched online some more, and found a box of 50 at Newegg.com. They limit sales to one box only. A couple bucks cheaper than Amazon, and no extra charge for shipping. Tracked it yesterday, and it says “in transit” from California, should get it by Thursday, the 14th. Keeping my fingers crossed. Those winter scarfs and old pillow case bandanas are hard to breath through without fogging up my glasses.

I've got three separate friends that are sewing masks and offering them to people we know. Creativity in a pandemic.

[MikeBiDude]

Olive oil. Not because I need it right now, but because it stores well and I might need it in a month.

Amazon “Papa Vince” for a bit pricey but delicious imported

[RealAvalon]

Amazon “Papa Vince” for a bit pricey but delicious imported

I had a slightly irrational moment in the grocery store. Olive oil, Italy, COVID, economic melt down.

[Guest DeanParkerTEX]

Regarding masks, the problem is getting them. All local stores, and retailer’s websites are sold out. Last two times I went to the grocery store, wore a winter scarf.

 

Back on the 7th, I went on Amazon and ordered a box of 50 masks, and 3 washable masks. Amazon said the box would arrive between 15th and 20th, and washable masks would not arrive until the 30th at the earliest. Checked today, and all it says for the box of 50 is “label created, not yet in system” (USPS), and for the washable masks, just says “label created“ (UPS) in China. That was the same info I got when I looked at the tracking info on the 9th, and on the 10th. And, I paid for expedited shipping for the box of masks which was about $35, while the cost of the box of masks was $24 or thereabouts. I think I’ve been scammed and will never see them.

 

So, on the 10th, I searched online some more, and found a box of 50 at Newegg.com. They limit sales to one box only. A couple bucks cheaper than Amazon, and no extra charge for shipping. Tracked it yesterday, and it says “in transit” from California, should get it by Thursday, the 14th. Keeping my fingers crossed. Those winter scarfs and old pillow case bandanas are hard to breath through without fogging up my glasses.

I’m going to try Newegg.com. I placed an order at amazon then got a note it was canceled because it wasn’t available. Please two more orders on amazon, got shipping labels saying it shipped then both were canceled the next day.

[+ tassojunior]

Physical Distancing

 

Edited April 12, 2020 by tassojunior

[+ Pensant]

I wouldn't worry in the slightest about that. Hands are not intrinsically a problem, the issue is that they touch things and can transfer virus to other things that they touch. If you wear gloves (unless you change them every time you touch anything) you will still pick up virus on them, and I've heard suggestions that the virus adheres better to latex than it does to skin and survives longer. I hate the expression, but there's an element of virtue signalling in mandating wearing gloves, and there's also the risk that wearing them will generate a level of complacency. Hand sanitiser at the entry to the shop and again at the checkout is probably more effective. And contactless payment. For the last month the most common words I've heard have been, 'Wash your hands'. That said, if an establishment mandates gloves, just do what they say. And I would say if a shop does that they should supply gloves as you enter, and insist that you throw away any that you were wearing and use theirs.

My grocery store has outside hand sanitizers and boxes of gloves when you enter. When you leave, you simply trash the gloves.

[+ Pensant]

Regarding masks, the problem is getting them. All local stores, and retailer’s websites are sold out. Last two times I went to the grocery store, wore a winter scarf.

 

Back on the 7th, I went on Amazon and ordered a box of 50 masks, and 3 washable masks. Amazon said the box would arrive between 15th and 20th, and washable masks would not arrive until the 30th at the earliest. Checked today, and all it says for the box of 50 is “label created, not yet in system” (USPS), and for the washable masks, just says “label created“ (UPS) in China. That was the same info I got when I looked at the tracking info on the 9th, and on the 10th. And, I paid for expedited shipping for the box of masks which was about $35, while the cost of the box of masks was $24 or thereabouts. I think I’ve been scammed and will never see them.

 

So, on the 10th, I searched online some more, and found a box of 50 at Newegg.com. They limit sales to one box only. A couple bucks cheaper than Amazon, and no extra charge for shipping. Tracked it yesterday, and it says “in transit” from California, should get it by Thursday, the 14th. Keeping my fingers crossed. Those winter scarfs and old pillow case bandanas are hard to breath through without fogging up my glasses.

I was very lucky to find a box of 10 N95 masks at a local hardware store for $20 on March 9! I use a Homedics UV light box to sterilize them after each use.

Edited April 12, 2020 by Pensant

[+ tassojunior]

Regarding masks, the problem is getting them. All local stores, and retailer’s websites are sold out. Last two times I went to the grocery store, wore a winter scarf.

 

Back on the 7th, I went on Amazon and ordered a box of 50 masks, and 3 washable masks. Amazon said the box would arrive between 15th and 20th, and washable masks would not arrive until the 30th at the earliest. Checked today, and all it says for the box of 50 is “label created, not yet in system” (USPS), and for the washable masks, just says “label created“ (UPS) in China. That was the same info I got when I looked at the tracking info on the 9th, and on the 10th. And, I paid for expedited shipping for the box of masks which was about $35, while the cost of the box of masks was $24 or thereabouts. I think I’ve been scammed and will never see them.

 

So, on the 10th, I searched online some more, and found a box of 50 at Newegg.com. They limit sales to one box only. A couple bucks cheaper than Amazon, and no extra charge for shipping. Tracked it yesterday, and it says “in transit” from California, should get it by Thursday, the 14th. Keeping my fingers crossed. Those winter scarfs and old pillow case bandanas are hard to breath through without fogging up my glasses.

I got some early in March but since then I've had the same canceling problems. Of the masks that look good and are comfortable and cheap now the bicycle masks are still around. They're cheap, high tech and replaceable filter screens. Bicycle stores may have them. Eddie Bauer and some sports places have neck gaiters. I don't understand the shortage of the cheap paper masks online. If you're around a doc's office. hospital, etc they'll give you one if you say you don't want to sneeze or cough on anyone. My Kaiser receptionist gave me one in fractions of a second before I got the word "or" out.

 

FWIW- Amazon is selling N95 masks to medical people for 85 cents shipped overnight.

Edited April 12, 2020 by tassojunior

[+ Keith30309]

One of the largest pork processing facilities in the US is closing until further notice

One of the country's largest pork processing facilities is closing until further notice as employees fall ill with Covid-19. The closure puts the country's meat supply at risk, said the CEO of Smithfield, which operates the plant.

"The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply," the meat processor's chief executive, Kenneth Sullivan, said in a statement Sunday.

"It is impossible to keep our grocery stores stocked if our plants are not running," he said. "These facility closures will also have severe, perhaps disastrous, repercussions for many in the supply chain."

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, facility accounts for 4% to 5% of the country's pork production and employs about 3,700 people, according to Smithfield.

[craigville beach]

One of the largest pork processing facilities in the US is closing until further notice

One of the country's largest pork processing facilities is closing until further notice as employees fall ill with Covid-19. The closure puts the country's meat supply at risk, said the CEO of Smithfield, which operates the plant.

"The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply," the meat processor's chief executive, Kenneth Sullivan, said in a statement Sunday.

"It is impossible to keep our grocery stores stocked if our plants are not running," he said. "These facility closures will also have severe, perhaps disastrous, repercussions for many in the supply chain."

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, facility accounts for 4% to 5% of the country's pork production and employs about 3,700 people, according to Smithfield.

 

another reason to purchase local small farm meat

[+ deej]

I get furious that people don't wear masks around others . No one knows who has the virus and is spreading it but we do know a huge number do and it's much more contagious than anything we've experienced before. Not wearing a mask is a huge Fuck You to people you pass or go in a store with. If masks were law here, as in several countries, our infection and death rate may be halved.

 

This post takes me back many years to the earliest days of the AIDS epidemic. Apparently we didn't learn anything from that.

[jjkrkwood]

I went to three different chain drug stores yesterday looking for a thermometer--all of them were sold out--but at each one there was a sign at the entrance that they would not serve anyone who tried to enter without a mask.

 

Same thing here in NYC. I went out yesterday for some stuff and there were guards at the doors checking and distancing. anyone Without a mask was told to "go and get one and then return"...... And inside the stores there were monitors making sure people were actually WEARING the masks.

[+ tassojunior]

Many stories today about how many meat packers will be closing down because so many of their workers are infected. Time to learn vegan.

 

I'm surprised more grocery workers aren't also dropping or refusing to work. The masks and shields make a big difference now but what about the thousands of people who breathed on them the last month?

 

Also, how much longer are these factories making processed food going to stay open, much less the meat packing plants. And I hope the truckstops are more sanitary than I remember.

Edited April 15, 2020 by tassojunior

[Ajac]

Many stories today about how many meat packers will be closing down because so many of their workers are infected. Time to learn vegan.

 

I'm surprised more gracery workers aren't also dropping or refusing to work. The masks and shields make a big difference now but what about the thousands of people who breathed on them the last month?

Let's hope that doesn't happen.

[+ azdr0710]

I started to wear a mask (an old bandana I have) and gloves last week when in the grocery store.....as suggested above, I went to a smaller, locally-owned, ethnic grocery earlier today and found a smattering of TP (4-pack, limit one) and paper towels (1-pack, limit one) available......obeying the limit, I grabbed one of each.....first time I bought TP since before the panic-buying.......I later went to my big Kroger-affiliated store and found no TP or paper towels at all......

 

Edited April 14, 2020 by azdr0710

[+ pdxleo]

Today was the first day since all this craziness began that our local Kroger (Fred Meyer) had TP on the shelves at 4PM- usually its all gone within an hour or two of the store opening. Got plenty for now, so I left it for some other poor soul in need, hope I don't regret that in a month or so!

[jonnychgo]

I have about 5 N95 masks that are probably at least 10 years old. I plan on using one or two for the grocery store and wondering if spraying with 91% alcohol will be sufficient to sterile. I only have a few pairs of disposable gloves but have some polyester blend winter gloves that I use and then toss in wash or alcohol spray. The problem is, as someone on here mentioned, as soon as you touch something in the store, you should consider them contaminated. There was a Youtube video showing a woman in the grocery store with gloves and then she touched her keys, which then went back into her purse, etc. It seems like an endless cycle.

 

I get home, empty my pockets, toss the clothes into the wash (keep the lid already open!) then wash hands. Then toss in detergents, etc. and start wash. Then sanitize groceries, wash hands, then sanitize phone, wallet, etc. Wash hands again twice and then wash face (OK, I am obsessive now). My friend is now putting his phone in a baggie so if he needs to use it while out he can. Comes home opens the bag and lets the phone slip out, then tosses baggy and washes hands.

 

What is everyone doing to disinfect produce?

[+ g56whiz]

another reason to purchase local small farm meat

Or go vegan.

[cany10011]

I have about 5 N95 masks that are probably at least 10 years old. I plan on using one or two for the grocery store and wondering if spraying with 91% alcohol will be sufficient to sterile. I only have a few pairs of disposable gloves but have some polyester blend winter gloves that I use and then toss in wash or alcohol spray. The problem is, as someone on here mentioned, as soon as you touch something in the store, you should consider them contaminated. There was a Youtube video showing a woman in the grocery store with gloves and then she touched her keys, which then went back into her purse, etc. It seems like an endless cycle.

 

I get home, empty my pockets, toss the clothes into the wash (keep the lid already open!) then wash hands. Then toss in detergents, etc. and start wash. Then sanitize groceries, wash hands, then sanitize phone, wallet, etc. Wash hands again twice and then wash face (OK, I am obsessive now). My friend is now putting his phone in a baggie so if he needs to use it while out he can. Comes home opens the bag and lets the phone slip out, then tosses baggy and washes hands.

 

What is everyone doing to disinfect produce?

 

 

The Taiwanese FDA approved recycling the N95 by placing them in a rice cooker (no water) and pressing the cook button for 3 minutes and letting it sit for 5 minutes afterwards before removing. It can be done 3 to 4 times without any loss in effectiveness provided the mask has not been soiled.