It feels weird

Soon after the pandemic started I started washing all my groceries as soon as I got home. I live with a frail senior with many serious health issues and was terrified that I would bring covid into the house on the groceries. For almost a year now I have been washing all my groceries with soap and water and throwing out all the cardboard boxes that products come packaged in. This usually takes me one and a half hours to do after a large shop. I know that my fears are largely irrational but I can't seem to stop. I know it's a massive waste of time and probably unnecessary but I have come to the conclusion that I will probably continue doing this until both of us have been vaccinated.

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Dr. Bonnie

Feb 18, 2021 at 7:01pm

The public has been advised not to wash any produce with soap. Yes, washing your groceries is ridiculous. It’s fine to be cautious but it’s another thing to be that paranoid. If an item is going to sit for days untouched (like frozen juice or boxes of cereal) there is no need to wash it as the virus will die on its own if not ingested.

You Have Internet

Feb 18, 2021 at 9:10pm

So you could easily go online to see what you could spray on packages, if you are concerned. Misting a very dilute bleach solution,or ammonia window cleaner on packages ought to work- but I don't know- go look it up.

5 6Rating: -1

@Dr. Bonnie

Feb 18, 2021 at 9:28pm

Impersonating a public health official during a pandemic is probably a bad idea?

uhhh yeah, see a shrink

Feb 18, 2021 at 9:33pm

You're crazy for sure. It's gonna be someone getting it indoors while not social distancing. That's what does it. Wash your hands, wash your fruits and vegetables like normal. That is all. Pesticides are more dangerous.

7 14Rating: -7

Before the pandemic I washed fruit

Feb 18, 2021 at 11:24pm

As soon as I brought it home. This was to to prevent fruit flies. When I was a student, living in cheap accommodations, I got into the habit of emptying dry goods into jars and tins. I recently learned that some of my neighbours in the building I live in have infestations of mice and possibly other
Critters. I think that some of the "irrational" habits that people are following during Covid is a good way to prevent fruit flies, mice, roaches and other unfriendly visitors establishing themselves in your home.

11 7Rating: +4

Anonymous

Feb 19, 2021 at 12:04am

If there is a 1 in 1000 chance of carrying it into the home, why not make it a 1 in 10000 chance by taking the steps you are taking.

I’ll put it another way. If you stop doing what you are doing and the frail senior contracts Covid and dies, I bet you will blame yourself. If you don’t stop what you’re doing and the frail senior contracts Covid and dies, while you of course will be devastated, I think you will also feel you did the best you could.

Too many people want to do the minimum and expect maximum results. If everyone did the maximum, community spread would likely be halted.

Anonymous

Feb 19, 2021 at 1:29am

At least you're keeping busy.

6 4Rating: +2

I’m sorry

Feb 19, 2021 at 7:28am

I can’t imagine the fear you’re feeling right now so my heart goes out to you! You don’t need comments telling you this is overkill - you said it yourself! Have you considered some counselling? The pandemic is stressful for all of us but especially so for those living with the immunocompromised. It may help to have someone to talk through what you’re experiencing right now and help put things in perspective for you. Wishing all the best to you and your loved ones - we’ll get through this <3

10 6Rating: +4

@ @ Dr Bonnie

Feb 19, 2021 at 8:25am

It's very clear that the name is a topic,not an impersonation.
Context- learn what it is.

Oh, man.

Feb 19, 2021 at 9:36am

That's intense! I did this at first until I realized the odds are low. What I do now is just keep some hand sanitizer in my kitchen and if I unwrap something right away I take it out, put it in a bowl or whatever, and wash my hands before it comes near me. If things have been sitting for a few days I don't bother. Might help you out? Just wash hands between it going near you and you're fine.

7 5Rating: +2

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