5 things not to do when coronavirus quarantine and lockdown end

When will the coronavirus quarantine, shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders end? This question has escaped countless lips as countries, states and cities shift to indoor living to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Some of us are getting restless, imagining the people we'll hug, parties we'll throw and places we'll travel.

Not so fast. As the first signs of easing are starting to play out around the world, it's good to remember this is new territory for everyone and there's much we still don't know about the long-term behavior of this particular coronavirus strain.

Different governments and agencies are sure to have their own cadence for reintegrating and going back to business as usual, including taking a phased approach that slowly relaxes some measures while keeping an eye out for spikes in new coronavirus cases.

One thing's for sure -- your lifestyle won't return to "normal" all at once. While we won't know for certain what will or won't be allowed until those measures arrive, there are some common-sense codes that we don't see going away any time soon.

• Don't throw a party or hit the bars
• Don't stop washing your hands
• Don't immediately visit high-risk people
• Don't plan a big international vacation
• Don't sell your home office and home workout equipment

Get all the details in Jessica Dolcourt's article at www.cnet.com/how-to/5-things-not-to-do-when-coronavirus-quarantine-and-lockdown-end/.

How to Avoid Germs When Grocery Shopping, According to Consumer Reports

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Stay healthy while grocery shopping

Avoiding germs is always a good idea, but never before has it seemed so important than right now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, keeping yourself protected against the coronavirus could be a matter of life and death, which is why people are being more careful than ever before when they do basic day-to-day activities like going grocery shopping. "It used to be seen as a mundane weekly errand, but has become a task that requires more thought and preparation during this COVID-19 pandemic crisis," explains Lisa Larkin, MD, an internal medicine physician in Cincinnati, Ohio and founder and CEO of Ms.Medicine. The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid germs and reduce your risk of infection or infecting others during this time. Read on for tips to shop for your groceries in as safe a manner as possible.

• Go at times of day when it's less busy
• Sanitize your shopping cart or basket
• Avoid touching your face while shopping
• Stay six feet away as you navigate the aisles
• Be kind to others
• Bring disposable gloves for checkout
• Avoid paying with cash
• Sanitize your hands
• Leave bags outside upon returning home
• Consaider delivery of pick-up
• Clean packaging and fresh produce (see this post for detailed instructions/examples)

Get all the details in Jenn Sinrich's article at www.rd.com/culture/how-to-avoid-germs-when-grocery-shopping/.