Local grocery stores are working hard to keep customers safe while they are doing their essential shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have taken steps to protect the public and their employees by installing barriers between cashiers and customers and have put social distancing marks in checkout lines to help customers follow the rules. Grocery aisles are narrow, and some stores are limiting the number of customers allowed in the store at one time to provide more space.
Following are some additional shopping etiquette guidelines from the Sequim Emergency Coordination Center (ECC):
• Do not shop in large groups. Many stores recommend no more than one to two customers per cart.
• Limit your trips to the store by buying a week’s worth of perishable items at a time instead of shopping daily.
• Maintain social distancing while shopping by keeping a six-foot distance between other customers.
• Wash your hands before and after visiting the store.
• Sanitize the handhold of the shopping cart before use.
• Try not to touch too much in the store.
• Many customers are wearing a cloth mask when shopping to protect other customers. This is a voluntary decision and is not required. Remember that wearing a cloth mask does not replace the necessity for social distancing and proper hygiene.
• Don’t go into any public place if you have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, cold/flu like symptoms or a low-grade fever.
• Do not over purchase. The supply chain is intact and there is no reason to buy more than what is needed to ensure all members of the community have access to food and supplies.
The Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) is a combined effort of the City of Sequim, the Sequim School District, and Clallam County Fire District 3. The ECC is working in support of the Clallam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under the Clallam County Emergency Management Plan, and is activated to serve the Operational Area from Deer Park Road to the Eastern Clallam County Boundary. Clallam County District 3 also serves the community of Gardiner and areas on the east end of Jefferson County.