How to stay safe grocery shopping
during the coronavirus pandemic
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital has treated and
discharged more than 120 COVID-19 patients
BY JENNA BAGCAL
Since St. John’s Episcopal
Hospital admitted Queens’
first COVID-19 patient back
in March, the hospital staff
has worked tirelessly to successfully
treat and discharge
more than 120 patients affected
by the virus.
According to hospital
healthcare workers, SJEH
has made a number adjustments
and investments to
provide patients with elevated
care, including purchasing
new beds and equipment
and increasing telehealth
measures.
“We work hard to ensure
that we are as prepared as
possible to treat each COVID-
19 patient, and have made significant
investments to see
that our patients achieve positive
health,” said SJEH Chief
Medical Office Dr. Donald
Morrish. “When we are able
to successfully discharge a
person, it brings us great joy,
and also shows that there are
people who have overcome
COVID-19.”
Data released by the city’s
Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene found that
the Rockaways communities
are among the hardest hit by
the virus.
Since March, SJEH has
increased its beds from 257
to 326, purchased additional
beds and stretchers and converted
existing beds into intensive
care units (ICU). The
hospital has also hired more
staff and transformed its fifth
floor outpatient specialty services
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.4 COM | APRIL 17-APRIL 23, 2020
practice to an inpatient
unit.
Additionally, the hospital
has created several negative
pressure rooms on the premises,
which uses a special
ventilation system to prevent
the spread of contagious diseases.
“Our investments are helping
people heal during this
pandemic, and I want to see
more positive outcomes. We
will spare no expense,” said
hospital Chief Executive Office
Jerry Walsh. “And, I have
the utmost respect for our
doctors, nurses and entire
staff who come to work each
day to help those who need it
most.”
Other hospital investments
include the purchase
of much-needed personal protective
equipment (PPE), ventilators
and other essential
equipment and the implementation
of a new telehealth/
virtual visits system. The
system, which SJEH rolled
out in March, allows patients
to have their doctor appointments
via computer, phone or
tablet.
BY COURTNEY INGALLS
Grocery stores are one of
the few businesses that are able
to stay open during the coronavirus
pandemic. Even though
you’re able to get out of the house
and go shopping, you still need
to be cautious about germs coming
from other people around
you. We’ve put together tips and
tricks to keep you and your family
safe while food shopping!
Plan your visit
beforehand
In the past, many people have
gone out food shopping with
other members of their family
and have taken the time to do
some impulsive shopping. With
this major health risk at hand,
planning your visit before you
step into the supermarket will
limit your exposure to potential
bacteria. Instead of going
through every aisle and looking
at all options of food you can
buy, go through your kitchen
at home and make a list of the
things you need. Making a list
will allow you to know exactly
what you’re looking for and will
make it easier for you to get in
and out as fast as possible.
When you know you have
to go to grocery shopping, you
also should plan to go during
off-peak times when you know
that fewer people will be out.
Whether you choose to go early
in the morning or right before
they close, this helps with social
distancing that the CDC is
recommending.
How to protect yourself in
the store
The CDC is now recommending
people wear either basic
cloth or fabric masks while in
public spaces in order to protect
themselves. Although wearing
masks is voluntary, it is a good
idea to wear while at a grocery
store. Many people are going
in and out of the store each day
and you will be coming in close
contact with others when trying
to go through aisles and waiting
in lines to check out. To avoid
breathing in droplets from the
air, masks can help to prevent
the spread.
When it comes to wearing
gloves out in public, Karen Hoffmann,
a registered nurse and
the immediate past president
of The Association for Professionals
in Infection Control in
Epidemiology tells CNBC that
gloves could actually do more
harm than good.
Experts have said that germs
and bacteria actually stay on
gloves longer than it would on
people’s hands. “Unless you’re
really experienced with putting
gloves on and off, you may actually
contaminate your hands
more and therefore get a false
sense of security,” Hoffmann
said. Other extra measures to
take while shopping is wiping
down handles of shopping carts
before using them, as well as using
credit or debit cards instead
of cash when you go to pay.
How to handle food
Even though the FDA says
there is no current evidence
to say the virus can be passed
through food packaging, some
people are still concerned
about the spreading of germs.
Containers such as glass and
cans can be wiped down with
disinfecting wipes to make
you feel more comfortable and
protected. If you choose not to
wipe down your containers,
make sure to always wash your
hands after putting them away.
When it comes to produce such
as fruit and vegetables, washing
the products with water and
a small cup of vinegar helps kill
fungus and keeps produce from
deteriorating.
How to handle deliveries
If you’re still uncomfortable
going out in public and you
rather have your groceries delivered,
make sure that you are
having an “interactionless” delivery.
Avoid direct handoff with
the people who are dropping off
the food to you. Arrange to have
your items delivered to your
doorstep or a place nearby that
you can pick it up. If you’re using
a delivery service online, it
is better to tip the delivery person
online via an app instead of
giving them a cash tip.
we are as prepared as possible
to treat each COVID-19
patient, and have made St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Photo courtesy of SJEH