Is it safe for me to go shopping at the supermarket?

Just a note about ordering things online - please can I ask people to be considerate about doing this, too? Today I met a new client who is an amputee and has no family and no near neighbours; for years, now, he has ordered his weekly groceries from an online supermarket; and today he found out that there are no slots available this week and probably not next week either. I advised him to contact the retailer and ask if they had a priority customer list - if they haven't, yet, it's time they created one. But if we can all give them a chance to set up systems like this it would really help.

My mother is 71 and has COPD. If your local stores have online ordering, just do that. I know that most major grocery stores have online ordering and you just drive up and park in a designated spot and they bring the groceries out to you. That is what my mom is doing because the stores are packed where she lives and the lines are long. With your COPD you really need to avoid large crowds and stay home. If you can get groceries delivered, do it. From what I have heard, you might have to schedule your delivery a few days out but it’s better than going out in to public right now. Good luck!

If you can't do that then please don't be shy about reaching out to people in your life, even if they are just casual acquaintances or neighbours - most people are more than willing to help someone in need.

Order online for delivery. All the big big box stores like Amazon, Walmart and Target deliver. Many local supermarkets do as well. There's no need to go out. Make sure to stay 6 feet away from the delivery person. If you can, let the delivered items sit for a while to let any virus on it deactivate.

Glad I read this thread earlier, I quickly went on-line to the on-line grocery that I have been using weekly for about five years.... they had temporarily stopped their curb-side pick-up due to being out of stock of many different items.

So I decided to try their home delivery via a truck. The first slot that was opened was for late next week. With the truck delivery, the pickers pick items from a large warehouse setting so I believe chances are a bit better of receiving the items I would want. It will be interesting to see how this delivery works out.

Two retailers here - credit where it's due, I'll name them, Iceland and Aldi - have announced that some stores are opening an hour early for older shoppers only. Partly to limit these customers' exposure, and partly to give them first go at stocks so that they don't get stressed or rushed.

That's a great question zalmanitzka~
Iv'e been wondering too.
I'm almost 60 and I have COPD and I'm scared about going to the grocery store too.
Thanks for asking it.I bet we get some good answers to help us.I appreciate it~

The Nextdoor app might be a good resource to ask for volunteers who could shop for you. You can join this social networking group for free and it puts you in touch with neighbors in your area.  I'm sure if asked, you would find people able and willing to help.

I'm in southern California and my Nextdoor group has created a "Needs" thread where people can post requests. It's been nice to see dozens of people offering to shop or run errands, especially now that seniors in our state have been urged to remain at home. 

Here is a link that explains how to join Nextdoor: 

https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-join-Nextdoor?language=en_US

I've started ordering groceries online. Some stores deliver, and others collect your items and let you pick them up in the parking lot. Walmart does both in some locations, but only pick-up where I am. You have to reserve a time slot and keep checking back if they're all filled. I plan to do that for the foreseeable future.

I would not go grocery shopping right now if I were at high risk. When I do go into stores I keep my distance from other people and use the self-checkout so I don't have to stand in a line and make contact with the checker and bagger. If you have a delivery or pick-up option where you live, I wouldn't go into a store.

Call for delivery.