Coronavirus: Ramadan grocery shopping tips to avoid hoarding

In the midst of COVID-19, here is how you can shop for Ramadan groceries stress-free 1 of 27 Ramadan shopping can be challenging, with different plans for iftar and suhour. Now, with restrictions related to the Coronavirus, it is as important as ever to plan well before you head outdoors.Image Credit: Gulf News archives 2 of 27 Dubai Municipality issued guidelines for shoppers, with the top advice being to shop online.Image Credit: Gulf News archives 3 of 27 Also, if you are feeling unwell stay indoors.Image Credit: Stock image 4 of 27 Image Credit: Stock image 5 of 27 1. Make a meal plan, listing out each day's iftar and suhour plan.Image Credit: Stock image 6 of 27 Image Credit: Gulf News archives 7 of 27 Make sure you discuss the meal plan with the whole family, to get their input. Fewer last minute changes take place when everyone is on board.Image Credit: Gulf News archives 8 of 27 Before you step out, take a look at your pantry as well to make sure you do not repeat items.Image Credit: Stock image 9 of 27 Take as many steps as you can to avoid food waste.Image Credit: Stock image 10 of 27 To read the guide, visit https://gulfnews.com/1.1586442300849Image Credit: Stock image 11 of 27 Image Credit: Stock image 12 of 27 Dubai Municipality advised people to shop for dry foods first and then for fresh and frozen foods.Image Credit: Stock image 13 of 27 Don't buy everything in bulk, but there are items that you can stock up on.Image Credit: Gulf News 14 of 27 This includes pantry staples, canned food ...Image Credit: Stock image 15 of 27 ... frozen items and household essentials.Image Credit: Stock image 16 of 27 Image Credit: Stock image 17 of 27 Make sure you don't mindlessly purchase, though, as you don't want expired food on your hands.Image Credit: Gulf News archives 18 of 27 When it comes to fresh foods and dairy products, you can space the shopping out to a maximum of two times in a week.Image Credit: Stock image 19 of 27 Image Credit: Stock image 20 of 27 Don't stuff your fridge to ensure proper cooling.Image Credit: Stock image 21 of 27 If you order groceries online follow certain precautions as well.Image Credit: Stock image 22 of 27 Online searches for 'online grocery' spiked by 560 per cent in the first three months of 2020.Image Credit: Stock image 23 of 27 Image Credit: Stock image 24 of 27 Choose e-payment, or payment by card if possible.Image Credit: Stock image 25 of 27 Opt for contactless delivery.Image Credit: Stock image 26 of 27 As the novel Coronavirus stays alive on inanimate objects for long, make sure you discard the boxes and cartons safely.Image Credit: Stock image 27 of 27 Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds once you have handled the packages.