It is less than 25 days before Christmas Day and sad to say that Christmas won’t be the same this year. This time, we need to take precautionary measures because of the present situation with the pandemic. This will not only make us safe and secured this holiday season, but also help us avoid the spread of the Coronavirus.
For time immemorial and since the time of Christianization, it has already been a practice for Filipinos to celebrate the holiday season on Christmas Eve, where family members are gathered for Noche Buena and it is ideally cheaper when ingredients are bought from the market and grocery stores and just cook them at home. When going to the supermarket or grocery store, don’t forget to sanitize the handles of shopping trolleys or baskets before shopping. Remember to keep at least 1-metre distance from others and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose and of course, with your face mask and face shield on. It is best to list down the things and food you need to buy on a piece of paper so that you will not stay much longer in the market or grocery store, especially when it’s enclosed and fully airconditioned.
Once you arrived home, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products. There is currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 transmitted through food or food packaging, but it is better to be safe than sorry. In washing fruits and vegetables, make sure to wash them thoroughly with clean running water, especially if you will eat them raw as ingredients in salads.
This holiday season may not be the conventional way of observing the tradition but let us not forget that we are still fortunate enough to still celebrate this holiday safely with our family and loved ones. Remember these tips when you go grocery shopping so that you will have a happy and safe Christmas this year!
AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot
References:
1. “Food and nutrition tips during self-quarantine” from https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/publications-and-technical-guidance/food-and-nutrition-tips-during-self-quarantine
2. “How can I grocery shop safely in the time of COVID-19?” from https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/eng-mythbusting-ncov-(19).tmb-1920v.png
3. “How should I wash fruit and vegetables in the time of COVID-19?” from https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/eng-mythbusting-ncov-(13).tmb-1920v.png