COVID-19 is mainly spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be passed on through touching or handling money, credit cards and handling of grocery cart handles. Although COVID-19 can remain on surfaces like paper money, plastic surfaces like credit cards and grocery store handles, it will eventually die off. Since it is possible the COVID-19 virus may remain on surfaces from hours to days, to limit spread through this route handwashing and enhanced cleaning practices are recommended.
Hand washing: Customers and employees are encouraged to use appropriate hand washing or sanitizers throughout the day, and always before eating, after using the washroom, when they arrive to work, when they arrive home and before they touch their eyes, nose, and mouth (see Hand Hygiene poster). In retail grocery stores and take-away premises, customers and employees will be touching many surfaces in the store that may also have been touched by others. The use of alcohol based hand rubs and alcohol based wipes in these environments will help to remove COVID-19 from frequently touched surfaces. Stores are also asked to post signs reminding customers to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer. Also,
- Employees who handle money must wash their hands with soap and water before preparing food.
- Dedicate employees (cashiers) to handle money and credit cards so they are segregated from preparing foods.
- Cashiers who handle money, including credit cards, must wash their hands frequently and be reminded to not touch their face.
- Gloves are an option to limit hand contact however they should be changed frequently.
Cleaning and disinfection: Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces to at least twice daily or more if possible. This applies to any frequently touched items, including the following:
- Self-service scanning areas and payment touch screens.
- Handles of grocery store baskets and carts.
- Doors, railings, and common counter areas.
- Point of sale devices. Employees (cashiers) should limit direct handling of credit cards and loyalty cards where possible and allow customers to scan them. Where possible use point of sale (POS) devices that do not require customers to touch them. Frequently clean and disinfect POS devices.