Let's Get Ahead of the Spread

Now that many of us have had the experience of long lines and empty shelves at our local stores; and concern about gathering in crowded areas, here are some ideas that perhaps many of you may have thought of, but like me, don’t know where to voice them. I thought I might start here.

My hope is that these ideas might reach the people with the expertise to consider, refine, and implement these suggestions and perhaps make a significant difference in the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Many major chains have the ability for online shopping as well as the ability for daily if not hourly inventory tracking.

An online program could eliminate close contact at stores for shoppers and employees. Customers could shop from home and pick up at the store in a type of “drive through” system. The customer orders items that are available, sets a pick up time, pulls up to the front of the store, and “pops the trunk” to be loaded by the store employees.

For those without the ability of online ordering, a phone line could be set up for phone in orders. Neighbors could help those with limited ability to leave their home by picking up orders for those who are homebound.

This system allows employees to avoid contact with large numbers of the public. With no checkout lines in the store, checkers would be free to fill the orders, box them in left over boxes, place them in shopping carts which are lined up by the door in order of pick up times.

The online system can be updated so customers can see “up to the hour” availability of items, limits on high demand items, and the ability to choose a pick up time.

When the customer arrives in line (which can be designated by cones in the parking lot) they can show the order number with their name via a printout or cell phone. The employee can obtain the order and load the car. The employee will have limited contact with the customer and may choose to wear gloves and a mask for protection.

Perhaps as you read this, you will have more suggestions that can enhance these efforts. If you find these ideas to be of value, you can help communicate with your local stores owners and local government officials to take steps to get “ahead of the spread”.