NEWS

Coronavirus: Is it Safe to Use Reusable Shopping Bags In Supermarkets?

When it comes to visiting the supermarket to buy essentials during the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are having to modify our shopping habits to protect our health and safety.

In addition to adhering to the government’s two-metre distance guidelines, some shoppers are taking precautions by wearing gloves and face masks, while others are avoiding using touchscreen checkouts to avoid the risk of exposure to the virus. Supermarkets including Asda and Aldi have also now introduced a ‘no touch’ rule as part of new hygiene controls, which involves asking customers to only touch products they intend to buy.

As per the government's instructions, people should only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home). The NHS advises people to wash their hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds or use sanitiser gel), cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing and to put used tissues in the bin immediately.

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However, some US states have taken things one step further when it comes to ensuring people's safety and have banned shoppers from using reusable shopping bags at supermarkets.

When it comes to visiting the supermarket to buy essentials during the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are having to modify our shopping habits to protect our health and safety.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
However, some US states have taken things one step further when it comes to ensuring people's safety and have banned shoppers from using reusable shopping bags at supermarkets.

Earlier this month, ordinance from the San Francisco Department of Public Health imposed rules to restrict customers from bringing their own bags to stores. Illinois grocery stores have also temporality banned customers from bring their own reusable bags, according to MarketWatch.

Meanwhile, Maine has repealed its ban on plastic bags, citing the virus, while New York State has postponed its ban until June, reports the Guardian.

But does using reusable shopping bags at the supermarket pose a threat to lives and spread the virus?

We spoke to a microbiologist to find out the risk of reusable shopping bags during the pandemic.
Is it safe to use reusable shopping bags at the supermarket during Covid-19?
Like the flu, Covid-19 can be spread in tiny droplets and released from the nose and mouth of someone who has the infection as they cough or sneeze.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that a single cough can produce up to 3,000 droplets which can land on people, clothes and surfaces.
However, it is still unclear exactly how long the virus can survive outside the human body.

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