There have been many changes that have created drastic changes to people’s everyday lives over the past couple of weeks. Because of these, many people are becoming worried about how they can prevent this new virus from affecting themselves and their families and prepare for the future. Although we don’t have all of the answers, here are a few ways you can make a difference in the preparedness of your family and keep the spread to a minimum.
Keep Your Food Storage Full
The American Red Cross suggests everyone stock up supplies and be prepared to last without grocery shopping trips for a minimum of two weeks. These include cereal, crackers, pasta, rice, frozen vegetables, and canned goods. Soup or drinks such as Gatorade may be a good idea too, just in case someone in your family does get sick and needs to stay hydrated. This is also a good idea simply because you want to limit your potential exposure to the virus, which means staying inside and away from people. Limiting your trips to the grocery store will help with this.
Sanitize Your Home
Not much is known about the Coronavirus, however, it does seem that it’s surrounded by a lipid covering that soap can break down. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take the time to sanitize the surfaces in your home, including countertops, doorknobs, faucets, cellphones, and anything else that gets touched often. You can use any normal household cleaners or even just soap and water. Do this often as germs will continue to build.
Wash Your Hands
One of the best things you can do to prevent the spread of this virus is to simply wash your hands. Make washing your hands as soon as you come in the door of your home a habit. Do so with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands and always cover your mouth when you cough.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
Just like your food storage, it’s a good idea to make sure you have enough of your daily prescriptions to last you at least a couple weeks, if not an extra month. Again, this is just to be sure that if there were to be shortages on medication, you would be prepared. You may also want to check other medicinal basics such as ibuprofen, cold medicine, and bandages. As for wearing masks, they really do nothing to protect you but do more to protect those around you if you end up getting sick.
Work From Home
If you’re able, working from home is an important way you can quarantine yourself from others and still provide for your family. Many businesses are beginning to allow this, especially where the virus is most prevalent or you would normally have to travel. Because of this, it’s a good idea to make sure your home office is stocked with all of the things you need for work such as printer paper, ink, and other office supplies.
Stay Home If Sick
The absolute best way to stop the spread of the virus is to keep yourself away from others if you’re showing any symptoms. Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, shortness of breath, cough, or weakness/fatigue. Whether it does end up being the virus or simply the normal flu, it’s better to be safe than sorry and just stay home.