How To Prepare And Stock Up For A Coronavirus Quarantine
With the pandemic upon us, people are panic buying more than ever. Companies are urging their employees to work from home; schools and educational institutions are being shut down to stop the spread of the disease, and people are socially distancing themselves from the rest of the world.
And those who exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with an infected person are asked to be quarantined for a couple of weeks. This also goes for people who are at greater risk of contracting the virus than others. There’s also isolation where people who have contracted the virus are asked to separate themselves from the rest to prevent them from giving it to anyone else. While isolation is mostly done at hospitals, people with mild and manageable symptoms are being asked to isolate themselves at home. And all of this contributes to people buying everything off the shelves, largely due to panic. To help you prepare for a self-quarantine we break down what you need to stock up on while fighting the virus:
Medications
Buy enough over-the-counter medications that will last you at least for a few weeks. This includes medications for cold and cough, pain relievers, and electrolytes.
Bath & Hygiene Products
This includes feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, handwash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, and other cleaning supplies. If you are at home, then you can skip on hand sanitizer and use soap and water to wash your hands.
Take into account that you will be needing more toilet paper now that you are home all day. But make sure you don’t hoard on these as there are plenty of others who need it just like you do. Be kind towards others and only take what you need.
Kitchen & Food Supplies
Stock up on essentials such as dried beans, grains, and rice. Don’t forget canned food items as they have an extended shelf life than others. You will also need cooking oil and other essentials such as salt and spices. For snacks, you can buy dried fruits and nuts as they have a longer shelf life. Other essentials include meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
Again, remember that you don’t need to buy everything if you already have enough stock that would last you a couple of weeks.
Baby Supplies
If you have a baby at home, make sure that you have enough baby food, diapers, formula milk, baby wipes, and other essentials that you will be needing for the coming weeks
Water
Now, this is not essential if you get clean drinking water through taps or have a water filter at home. But if you rely on water cans and has quarantined yourself, make sure you get a two week supply of water beforehand so that you don’t have to run out and get it.
Other Items
Purchase other products that you might need such as a thermometer, instant pot (if needed), the filter replacement for your water filter, and cleaning spray. If you’ve got a pet at home, don’t forget to buy pet food and treats for your furry friends. EPA has also released a list of cleaning products that fight against COVID-19. You can check out the list as well (1).
Though this list might seem too long, remember that you don’t have to stock up on every item that we have mentioned here. Before you head out, make a list of those items that you are running low and purchase accordingly.
Stay Connected
Humans are essentially social beings and isolating yourself from the rest of the world can take a toll on your emotional health. Make sure to stay connected with your dear ones through video calls and phone calls.
Get Some Workout
Whether you are working from home or couped up in bed, there is an added chance for you to feel low and tired. Move your body and do some exercise even if it’s just for 15 minutes. It will help in lifting your spirits.
Lastly, remember to keep a positive outlook and create a routine that you can follow every day. It’s important to have some sort of normalcy if your life when you are isolated from everyone else.
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