[ Original photo via Death to the Stock Photo by Tino Renato ]
Although I had started worrying and predicting a quarantine scenario since the COVID-19 was first spreading in China, I still went into panic mode when the time to go into quarantine came and I didn’t know how to prepare for it the adequate way.
The Coronavirus pandemic is new to us and as a result we don't yet have official answers to all our important questions. This uncertainty can be emotionally triggering for most people, especially for those suffering with anxiety and other mental illness. Having a general list of actions to rely to, might make things less difficult for everyone preparing to go into quarantine.
What does a quarantine mean for you?
Even if your state hasn’t required it yet, it would be wise to stay in as much as you can from this point onwards. You are still on time to slow down the spreading rhythm of this dangerous virus, thus protecting yourselves and your loved ones.
As a general rule, you will need enough of everything basic you and your family need to go through a 14 days minimum quarantine (or self isolation) without going out in case of getting sick. Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open, but why risk going outside until absolutely necessary?
First of all, take inventory of the medicine, food, water and household supplies you already have at home. You don’t need to overbuy, so make a list of what you will need for 2 weeks.
Make sure you withdraw enough cash to have on hand, but leave something in your account too, in case you need to make online payments or money transfers. We don’t know how things will go. Use an ATM to avoid long lines at the bank.
Medicine
Your first stop should be the pharmacy. Stock up on your medicine in case of a chronic illness and other prescription drugs. Than take enough of your usual antiviral and anti-cold medicine for the entire family if you all get sick. If you don’t have an emergency kit at home, it’s time to get one, if your budget permits.
Grocery shopping
Regarding food shopping, use a home delivery if possible. If not, avoid rush hours and panic buyers as much as you can. Better go to your usual store, where you know where the things are, so you don’t have to walk through every isle looking for everything.
To plan your meals for the next two weeks, think of long shelf life items like bottled water, frozen meat and veggies, flour, grains, rice, pasta, canned meat/fish/veggies, milk, eggs. Don’t forget essentials like cooking oil or butter, canned tomato sauce or paste, salt, sugar, pepper and other basic spices. Lemons, ginger and garlic could help strengthen your immunity towards the flu.
Add in special things your family eats to recover when sick and cater to any allergies or intolerances.
Make sure to stock up on food and medicine for your pets for 2 weeks as well.
If it is possible, buy fresh vegetable and fruit too, especially those that will resist longer, including onions, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, leeks, kale, spinach, broccoli, oranges, apples, kiwis. Please make sure to wash the produce thoroughly once you get home (either by soap and water or bicarbonate soda in water) and either freeze it or plan meals to use them up the first days before they go bad.
If you can't cook, rely on frozen meals and a combination of protein, fresh or canned vegetables and grains.
For household items, you want to have enough soap, shampoo, toothpaste, dish liquid, laundry detergent, a universal disinfectant cleaner for all surfaces, bleach, toilet paper, paper towels/ rugs, wet paper, diapers and female hygiene products, dish sponges, etc. If you have necessary appliances that use batteries to operate, you better get a pack of batteries just in case.
Don’t forget coffee or tea if you can’t live without them. And if your budget permits, get a few treats like chocolate, snacks, soda, fruit juices, protein bars, magazines, book and whatever cheers you up when you are sick or going through a difficult time.
Additional things to consider
These are more than enough to have in hand for at least a 14-day period. Remember not to hoard items unnecessarily, so someone else can have access to it when they really need it and we can all overcome this difficult time for the whole planet.
Make sure to ask relatives and friends, elders and disabled people in your neighbourhood if they need anything, in case they can’t get out of the house. Also, don't forget about those who struggle with money or get paid daily and can’t buy necessities for 14 days. Try to donate money and supplies to people you know will struggle during this time.
Lastly, try not to stress and make sure you have enough sleep, to keep your immune system strong. Take this opportunity as an unexpected and much needed vacation time. If you live alone, think of your to do list and imagine how much time you will have to do everything you always wanted. Couples and big families better get excited to spend quality time with your loved ones.
***
Stay safe everyone!
~ Love, Lisa ~
No comments:
Post a Comment