{"id":4972,"date":"2020-09-28T19:38:06","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T19:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/?p=4972"},"modified":"2021-09-13T20:47:14","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T20:47:14","slug":"how-to-safely-run-essential-errands-during-a-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/blog\/how-to-safely-run-essential-errands-during-a-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Safely Run Essential Errands During a Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/How-to-Run-Errands-Graphic-1280-720.png” alt=”How to safely run errands during a pandemic” title_text=”How to Run Errands Graphic (1280-720)” admin_label=”Title Graphic” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”]I get it: at some point, you need to leave your room to run essential errands. We\u2019ve all got to do it.\u00a0<\/span>But<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>before\u00a0<\/span>you head\u00a0<\/span>out the door<\/span>, here\u2019s what you need to k<\/span>now\u00a0<\/span>about\u00a0<\/span>the risk<\/span>.<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/COVID-19-Errands-Low-Risk-1280.png” alt=”Low Risk” title_text=”COVID-19-Errands-Low-Risk-1280″ admin_label=”Low Risk Graphic” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Low Risk” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Low Risk \u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Contactless\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Delivery\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Getting your essential needs delivered\u00a0<\/span>right\u00a0<\/span>to your home or\u00a0<\/span>residence hall\u00a0<\/span>room puts you at the lowest risk of\u00a0<\/span>contracting<\/span>\u00a0and spreading COVID-19.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Order food for contactless delivery or try cooking a meal at home. S<\/span>ome<\/span>\u00a0businesses in the Winona<\/span>\u00a0community offer<\/span>\u00a0contactless<\/span>\u00a0delivery<\/span>\u2013mostly pizza and sandwich<\/span>\u00a0joints<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also o<\/span>rder essential needs online through Amazon or other stores. Winona businesses\u00a0<\/span>like<\/span>\u00a0Target, Hy<\/span>-V<\/span>ee, and Menards will deliver\u00a0<\/span>whatever<\/span>\u00a0right to your door.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pay for items virtually through an online shop or order. Before ordering food to be delivered, consider ordering food online and paying by card to make the most of your contactless delivery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also u<\/span>se online banking whenever possible. Several banks and credit unions have apps that let you make transfers and deposit checks into your accounts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get medications delivered to you by a pharmacy. Goltz, Winona Clinic, and Hy-Vee\u00a0<\/span>Pharmacies<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are all local Winona\u00a0<\/span>businesses<\/span>\u00a0that\u00a0<\/span>will<\/span>\u00a0deli<\/span>ver your medications<\/span>\u00a0to you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be wondering, w<\/span>hat about getting gas?\u00a0<\/span>Well, you can\u2019t order this online unfortunately.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pump gas into your car w<\/span>hile wearing<\/span>\u00a0a mask. Remember to wipe down the pump button and handles<\/span>\u00a0and sanitize your hands<\/span>\u00a0before and after filling up your vehicle.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s best to pay at the pump with a card<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>W<\/span>ash your hands once you return home<\/span>, too<\/span>.<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/COVID-19-Errands-Moderate-Risk-1280.png” alt=”Moderate Risk” title_text=”COVID-19-Errands-Moderate-Risk-1280″ admin_label=”Moderate Risk Graphic” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Moderate Risk” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Moderate Risk<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Curbside\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Pick-Up<\/span><\/b>\u00a0& Drive\u00a0Thru\u2019s<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pick up food from a restaurant or get food from a drive thru. Several business in the Winona area\u00a0<\/span>have adapted to COVID-19 by offering carry out meals. Call ahead to your fav<\/span>orite\u00a0<\/span>restaurants<\/span>\u00a0and order food to-go!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also u<\/span>se curbside pick-up when shopping for essential needs. Super stores\u00a0<\/span>like<\/span>\u00a0Walmart, Target, and\u00a0<\/span>Hy-Vee<\/span>\u00a0have online ordering available to be picked up.\u00a0<\/span>Curbside pick-up<\/span>\u00a0can help you save money by filling up your online shopping cart and seeing the total before checking out.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you do need to pay for your essential needs in person<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>try using contactless forms of payment. Many credit cards now have contactless payment\u00a0<\/span>capabilities<\/span>\u00a0where you can just tap and go<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0Check with your bank to see what\u2019s possible. Also remember to sanitize\u00a0<\/span>your\u00a0<\/span>hands before and after payment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use pharmacy drive-<\/span>thru’s<\/span>\u00a0to pick up\u00a0<\/span>your\u00a0<\/span>medications. Local pharmacies\u00a0<\/span>like<\/span>\u00a0Walgreens and\u00a0<\/span>Hy-Vee offer drive-thru prescription medication services.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use bank ATMs when\u00a0<\/span>you need to deposit or get<\/span>\u00a0cash. Carry disinfectant wipes\u00a0<\/span>and hand sanitizer\u00a0<\/span>with you when going out for essential needs<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0so you\u2019re able to disinfect\u00a0<\/span>the ATM machine and buttons<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>sanitize<\/span>\u00a0hands<\/span>\u00a0before and after use.\u00a0<\/span>Remember to wash your hands\u00a0<\/span>once you return to your home.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/COVID-19-Errands-Higher-Risk-1280.png” alt=”Higher Risk” title_text=”COVID-19-Errands-Higher-Risk-1280″ admin_label=”Higher Risk Graphic” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Higher Risk” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Higher Risk<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Outdoor Dining & Shopping<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many Winona restaurants offer\u00a0<\/span>outdoor dining options<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0Eating outdoors provides the most amount of air ventilation and space from others. In other words, it\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>safer\u00a0<\/span>to eat\u00a0<\/span>physically\u00a0<\/span>distanced and away from others.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro\u00a0<\/span><\/b>T<\/span><\/b>ip:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>S<\/span>upport our<\/span>\u00a0local<\/span>\u00a0Winona<\/span>\u00a0business<\/span>es<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>by ordering food for carry<\/span>–<\/span>out and walking to the\u00a0<\/span>Leeve<\/span>\u00a0Park or Lake Winona for a delicious meal with a great view.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Get some fresh produce\u00a0<\/span>from\u00a0<\/span>local farmers and businesses by attending the\u00a0<\/span>Winona Farmers\u00a0<\/span>M<\/span>arket<\/span><\/a>\u00a0every Saturday morning. With a large variety of produce<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>canned\u00a0<\/span>and baked goods,<\/span>\u00a0you\u2019ll want to buy it a<\/span>ll.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to wear a mask, bring hand\u00a0<\/span>sanitizer<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>with\u00a0<\/span>at least 60% alcohol to\u00a0<\/span>sanitize<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>your\u00a0<\/span>hands after<\/span>\u00a0visiting<\/span>\u00a0each vendor, and a reusable bag to shop more sustainably during the\u00a0<\/span>pandemic<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/COVID-19-Errands-Highest-Risk-1280.png” alt=”Highest Risk” title_text=”COVID-19-Errands-Highest-Risk-1280″ admin_label=”Highest Risk Graphic” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Highest Risk” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Highest Risk<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Indoor Dining & Shopping<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, you\u2019re not able to get all your essential needs from an online order or delivery.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eating indoors will put you at the highest risk compared to the other options\u00a0<\/span>above<\/span>. The reason for this is because there will be several people sitting indoors, without masks on to eat their food<\/span>, with minimal air\u00a0<\/span>ventilation<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>for long<\/span>er periods of\u00a0<\/span>time<\/span>\u2014<\/span>some meals may last up to an hour<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drinking indoors at a bar\u00a0<\/span>or attending a party\u00a0<\/span>will\u00a0<\/span>also\u00a0<\/span>put you at the highest risk.\u00a0<\/span>Alcohol is\u00a0<\/span>notoriously\u00a0<\/span>known for impairing judgement. Adapting to the new norm<\/span>s\u00a0<\/span>like<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>wearing a mask and sanitizing\u00a0<\/span>your\u00a0<\/span>hands often becomes\u00a0<\/span>more difficult once you have some\u00a0<\/span>liquor<\/span>\u00a0in your system.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need to go into a store to get your essential needs, remember to always wear a mask<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and keep it on for the entirety of your shopping trip.\u00a0<\/span>Wearing a mask is most effective when paired with effective hand washing or sanitizing, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>physical distancing<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sanitize your hands before entering the store<\/span>, disinfect your\u00a0<\/span>c<\/span>art or shopping basket, and follow in-store signage directing the flow of traffic. Remember to sanitize your hands after payment and wash\u00a0<\/span>them\u00a0<\/span>when you return home.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro Tip:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>I<\/span>f you<\/span>\u00a0want to be even more cautious, clean your car with a disinfectant spray once returning home and wipe down your groceries\u00a0<\/span>with a\u00a0<\/span>sanitizing<\/span>\u00a0wipe.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another key factor in protecting yourself is limiting the amount and duration of interactions<\/span>\u00a0you have<\/span>\u00a0with others. Make a shopping list before you go to the store to decrease the amount of time spent\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>re.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also\u00a0<\/span>try to limit your outings to only going to one store at a time\u2013in other words, try to get\u00a0<\/span>all<\/span>\u00a0your essential needs from one store instead of stopping at m<\/span>ultiple<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paying in person with cash puts yourself at the highest risk compared to paying virtually or another form of contactless payment<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>or even paying with a card<\/span>. This is because c<\/span>ash\u00a0<\/span>circulates<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>more and travels faster than you may think.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Always remember to\u00a0<\/span>sanitize<\/span>\u00a0your hands before and after paying with cash and getting change back<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/COVID-19-Errands-Risk-Chart-1280-1.png” title_text=”COVID-19-Errands-Risk-Chart-1280 (1)” admin_label=”Low-High Chart Graphic” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.6.4″ _module_preset=”default”]These tips are especially helpful if you are in isolation or quarantine.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are isolating on- or off-campus, you need to get your essential needs virtually\u00a0<\/span>and for delivery<\/span>. F<\/span>ollow the guidance in the low risk category.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are quarantining, you can get your essential needs for delivery or pick<\/span>–<\/span>up. If that\u2019s not possible, follow the guidance from the<\/span>\u00a0higher risk categories on ways to keep yourself and others safe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trust me, in the beginning of the pandemic none of us thought this deeply about the best ways for getting our essential needs.<\/span><\/span> You can breathe a sigh of relief<\/span><\/span>\u00a0knowing\u00a0<\/span><\/span>new methods to get your essentials while adapting to the new norms of shopping during a pandemic.<\/span><\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I get it: at some point, you need to leave your room to run essential errands. We\u2019ve all got to do it.\u00a0But\u00a0before\u00a0you head\u00a0out the door, here\u2019s what you need to know\u00a0about\u00a0the risk. Low Risk \u2013\u00a0Contactless\u00a0Delivery\u00a0\u00a0 Getting your essential needs delivered\u00a0right\u00a0to your home or\u00a0residence hall\u00a0room puts you at the lowest risk of\u00a0contracting\u00a0and spreading COVID-19.\u00a0\u00a0 Order food […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":4985,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[729,278,1],"tags":[728],"class_list":["post-4972","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-covid-19","category-feature-post","category-wellness-blog","tag-covid-19"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/How-to-Run-Errands-Graphic-1280-720.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7PQJv-1ic","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4972"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4972\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6356,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4972\/revisions\/6356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4972"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}