Black Friday is just around the corner. Don’t let glimmers of bustling shopping malls and doorbuster deals let your guard down, because COVID-19 is still in the air! Though routine life has resumed in many parts of the world and shopping is booming as usual, the worst hasn’t yet passed, and we need to continue to take precautions.

Most countries are experiencing a second wave of Coronavirus. With over half a million new cases and thousands of deaths reported worldwide daily, Black Friday shopping in overcrowded marketplaces is riskier than ever.

A Different Holiday Experience

The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday brings a vibrant holiday shopping experience throughout malls, marketplaces, and even online shops. Despite the risk, 78% of retailers are planning to do business this year according to the National Retail Federation. And when there are sales, customers are bound to show up in multitudes; COVID-19 isn’t going to stop them.

Ensure A Safe Shopping Experience

We get it. Some deals just can’t be ignored. If you “Stay Home – Stay Safe” this Black Friday, you might lose some golden opportunities that won’t return for another year.

So what do you do? To shop or not to shop? A wise compromise can be to be mindful of your shopping environment. Be aware of the dangers, and understand how to stay protected amidst the crowd. Follow all the precautions highlighted by the CDC to protect yourself and those around you.

Tips To Stay Safe This Black Friday

Don’t let Black Friday sway you from the goal this year, which is to “Stay Safe.” Here are some tips for enjoying safe holiday shopping and lowering the risks of catching the virus:

• Avoid shopping if you’re sick. If there’s a deal that’s too good to miss, send someone in your place to get it for you.
• Keep an eye on sales dates. Many retailers put up the sale for multiple days before and after Black Friday. Avoid Black Friday itself, and pick days when it’s not going to be too crowded.
• Wear a mask and gloves at all times, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Disinfect the shopping cart before using it. Avoid touching anything you don’t plan on buying.
• Try not to exchange cash. Instead, use touchless payment wherever possible. When using a credit card, always disinfect it once you’re done.
• Be sure to maintain a 6-foot distance while shopping or standing in queues.
• If available, opt for curbside pickup. Many stores allow you to make the purchase online, and an associate brings it to your car.

Once you’ve returned home with your winnings, a few more safety chores await before it’s safe to call it a day.

• Disinfect all shopping bags and food packaging. (This is just a precaution—the FDA says that risks of infection from food packaging are minimal.)
• Wash your hands and face after handling all packaging, and change your clothes.
• Disinfect all the surfaces you’ve touched after returning from shopping.

Consider Shopping Online

Online shopping is an excellent option to dodge the crowd while still making the most out of Black Friday sales. Don’t forget to follow through with your contactless procedures once your orders arrive:

• If you’re tipping a delivery person, opt to do so electronically through the app you’re using instead of handing cash over.
• Have your packages left on your doorstep instead of receiving the package from the deliveryman in person. This prevents close interaction.
• Disinfect the packaging and wash your hands and face after handling it.

Anago – You Disinfection Partner for Black Friday

We understand the importance of disinfection year-round, but especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the tips above to help create a safer shopping experience for yourself and your family this Black Friday.

Happy shopping and stay safe!