After weeks in quarantine many of us are starting to venture back out into the world where we can once again shop our favorite antique malls and vintage shops. In what many are calling “the new normal” there will be precautions to keep us safe from the deadly virus that is with us. Yes, retail shopping is back. But, it will be different than when we last visited. With guidance from medical professionals and advice from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) here is what you can expect at central Indiana shopping venues.
The big issue to many is the use of a mask. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in a public setting. Many of our neighborhoods have individuals who offer masks for sale or they can be purchased online. These are machine washable and should be laundered on a regular basis. Most importantly remember, a mask worn improperly is the same as no mask at all. Both the nose and the mouth need to be fully covered to be effective. In a survey of 10 area antique/vintage shops in the central Indiana area I found that all of them were requiring their staff members to wear a mask, one was requiring masks be worn by customers and the other nine and asking that their customers please do the same. Remember, your mask protects others, their mask protects you, and together we protect each other.
Money, be it coin or paper, has been handled by many people before it fell into our possession and as such is risky to use. To protect their staff and customers many local stores are accepting debit/credit cards or checks only during this time.
Social distancing of 6 feet (approximately 2 arms lengths) is recommended on the CDC website. To make this easier for you, shops are marking their checkout areas with tape on the floors at 6 foot intervals. As you maneuver your way through a mall or shop you will need to judge this for yourself and give others the courtesy of keeping at a distance. If you approach a congested area simply walk away. You may also find that businesses are limiting the number of people who may be in the building at one time.
By this time most of us have become accustomed to hearing those words from our childhood, “don’t forget to wash your hands.” This is something so simple, yet it is considered by health experts to be one of our most effective weapons in the war against COVID-19. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before you leave home and immediately after returning is a great safeguard. While you are out shopping, the frequent use of hand sanitizer is recommended. It will now be commonplace to find hand-sanitizing stations at stores and shops. Use them freely and back up that effort by keeping a supply of hand sanitizer in your purse or car.
In the new normal, businesses are finding themselves with a lot of extra housekeeping to keep their environment sanitary and safe. As a result you may find that the hours have changed at your favorite places. Some are choosing to be open fewer days while others are keeping their days of operation with shorter hours. This, and the other adjustments that businesses are making, will vary. Visit your favorite shop on their social media pages or call ahead to see what safety precautions are in place.
The medical professionals that I spoke with in preparation for this column each ask me to share this information from Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIAID and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Dr. Fauci emphasizes the importance of the asymptomatic carrier. This is, “a person that has become infected, but that displays no signs or symptoms.” The asymptomatic carrier can lull us into a false sense of safety. So, be on guard and always exercise the recommended safety precautions.
Well, it has been a long time coming, but it is here. Time to get out, enjoy the beautiful Spring weather and go shopping! Be safe, my friends! Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates. Linda is not taking clients at this time.