The COVID19 numbers are rising – in some places significantly – in others less so but as the weather has turned cooler the expected increase is occurring. Northern New Jersey is increasing, and each county in the state is reporting increases, Rockland County has somewhat stabilized. But every day brings a change. Time for a little reminder.
If you are at risk, or want to stay safe you might want to keep in mind it is a good idea to prepare and stock up. A 9am visit to a local Wegmans illustrated the point as one cashier mentioned that no one in her lane had spent less that $400 so far. By 9am. Obviously others are getting the message.
It might be a good time to think about preparing. Of course after the March onwards quarantine we are all experts at living this new normal, but a side effect of coronavirus times is brain fog. Fuzzy thinking about what to do. Halloween? Thanksgiving? A little reminder might be helpful to some. In the spring the items that flew off the shelf during lockdown was Clorox, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet rolls. All of which can be found in huge amounts in Home Depot – as well as super markets. An early morning trip to Home Depot finds few people, vast space, and safer shopping for nervous customers. Costco recently had a delivery of Clorox wipes, and customers were grabbing them indicating that they had been missing for a bit. It might be good to know that Costco still has a limit of 1 pack of toilet rolls (it was never lifted) but the chicken restriction seems to have been.
Something to pay attention to – be aware that most (if not all) supermarkets offer early morning shopping for those at risk and over 65. However, it appears that they now DO NOT stop anyone in other categories from entering and shopping. Visit Wegmans at 7am and you will be jostling with InstaCart shoppers. Very misleading as the sign on the door says otherwise. Trader Joes seems to be enforcing the code much more strictly than some other local shops. And there is always curbside at Uncle Guiseppes or Wegmans. Who knows about Stop and Shop? Whole Foods? Management needs to make up revenue, keep all their customers happy so be aware you might not be quite as alone as you think. As the numbers increase if you feel nervous consider online shopping – Walmart and Target both will ship everything to you, in a time that rivals the other really big company, and often it is cheaper AND faster. Also many stores offer curbside pickup. This includes Home Depot, Macy’s, and others. If you have a need call – the websites are not all up to date, and some are very mis-leading.
If you are considering a flu shot – highly recommended by health officials – now is the time to get it. It does not work instantly.
So much to think about, but important. Stay safe, be prepared. Wear a mask.
