Helpful Tips for Social Distancing

Helpful Tips for Social Distancing

Most Americans are advised to social distance or have been required to shelter in place. Shopping for necessities can pose a real challenge. There are many delivery services available currently from most chain stores for all of the items you need.

While you use the list below to help make distancing easier, let’s remember others that may need help. Communities must come together in times of crisis. If we each help one person, we have made a big difference. We can remain safe and at a distance while helping those in need:

• • Donate to your favorite charity or church, they are struggling as donations wane.
  • Buy local. Order take-out weekly or buy a gift card from your favorite restaurant or store. It will help local businesses to stay afloat.
  • Call your elderly neighbors to see if they have the items they need.  Older people may not be as tech-savvy and may not know they can get groceries and prescriptions delivered.

American’s come together in times of crisis. We all need to do our part. We can make a difference even though we’re at a distance.

Here are some tips to help you avoid crowds and public places and still get everything you need.  This post is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to endorse any particular brand.

GROCERIES:

Many national brands and local stores deliver. For my area, I use Peapod https://www.peapod.com/ and Prime Now https://primenow.amazon.com/, delivering for Whole Foods. Both apps can be downloaded through the App Store for the iPhone or Google Play for Android. You may prepay by credit or debit card and the groceries are left on your porch/doorstep. There does not need to be *direct contact with the delivery person if you prepay.

There are many items currently out of stock. You may want to enable “ok to substitute” if you don’t have brand preferences. Delivery charges may apply and some services offer tipping options which can reduce face to face contact with the delivery person. Use coupons? Many services allow you to submit product coupons when buying online. *See CDC guidelines for surface cleaning of all surfaces/products you come in contact with which may include grocery items

• • Here’s a link to several grocery delivery options. Check your local stores for delivery options and ordering apps available on the App Store or Google Play: https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/grocery-store-delivery-options
  • Instacart:  www.instacart.com
  • Don’t know what to cook? Try www.Hellofresh.com or www.blueapron.com. Both services deliver pre-measured boxes of easy to cook meals with recipe instructions. I don’t use these services but friends have praised both with Hello Fresh as the hands-down favorite.

TAKE-OUT:

Don’t cook? Most restaurants are offering delivery service or curbside pickup. Many that did not traditionally offer delivery are now because of the shutdown. There are also options like Uber Eats and DoorDash®. They are third party companies that pick up and deliver to you. The apps can be found on the App Store for iPhone or via Google Play for Androids. Prepay via credit card and include tips in payment when possible to *minimize face to face contact. *Use CDC guidelines for sanitizing surfaces of various types of packaging.

• • Uber Eats Discount: www.ubereats.com Discount Coupon: https://coupons.thedailybeast.com/coupons/ubereats
  • DoorDash®: https://www.doordash.com/ Discount Coupon: https://www.retailmenot.com/offer/7755RLWYUFEO5EFC6PMNGKKYAY/

PHARMACIES:

Use online pharmacy apps. Ask for 90-day supplies when possible. My local CVS store will deliver any item in the store including prescriptions. See CDC guidelines for surface cleaning of all surfaces/products you come in contact with including pharmacy items. The corona lives on various surfaces for extended periods. It may be recommended you sanitize pharmacy products & packaging.

• • Here’s a link to several pharmacies that deliver: https://pocketsense.com/38579-list-recommended-online-pharmacies-deliver.html

GYMS:

Exercise can be a challenge if you are used to going to a gym. Some people live in areas where they can get outside safely for a run or walk 6 feet or further from others but, some are ‘shelter in place’ with no outdoor activities allowed. There are many online downloadable exercise videos. I subscribe to the Yoga Channel. Many are free and some have a fee.  Remember if you don’t already exercise you’ll want to discuss it with your doctor before starting.

• • https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-best-workout-videos-youtube
  • https://www.doyogawithme.com/

SPIRITS:

There are alcohol delivery services. I had to double-check but in most areas, it’s considered an essential service!

• • www.drizly.com
  • www.wine.com

ONLINE GAMES:

I must confess I’ve never ‘gamed’ but, this might be the right time to try online gaming. There are hundreds of online game streaming services that families can utilize for entertainment.

• • www.Fossguru.com/cloud-gaming-services-streaming-video/
  • Breakout the Scrabble or Monopoly game!

ALMOST ANYTHING ELSE:

And lastly, Amazon is a source for countless products. If you choose the paid version called “Amazon Prime” you get free delivery on many items. You can buy groceries, housewares, personal items, and access to Prime TV. They also offer Audible, an audiobook service for those that prefer to listen to their favorite books.

• •  www.amazon.com

ONLINE VIDEO CONFERENCING:

Stay connected with friends and family for free while distancing. Use Zoom.com to video chat with friends and family. Video chats are free for up to 40 minutes per call. Use the ‘gallery’ function to see everyone on the call in one view.

• • www.Zoom.com

*CDC:

The link to the CDC website for additional information. The information changes and evolves daily. Check back to this link regularly for updates.

* https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

If you have other ideas or apps that can be helpful, please share!