As the new coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread, government authorities are opting for domestic quarantine. The World Health Organization has officially declared that the coronavirus is a pandemic. Companies where their employees work from home, schools sending activities via the Internet.
All this and much more to guarantee public health and safety, trying to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Due to this state of emergency and given the quarantine, they have recommended stocking up on food for at least two weeks or a little longer. Not only food but also household items and many other supplies necessary to have at home for any emergency.
How to prepare for quarantine at home
In this article, we want to tell you what you should keep in mind so that you are prepared for the quarantine period while this pandemic is passing. According to many health departments worldwide, they agree that you should prepare properly so that you do not miss anything during this time of quarantine. Pay attention and take note so you don’t miss a thing.
Food supplies
To prepare for a home quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic, you must have a food supply of at least two weeks or a little or more, for each person. Preferably you should buy dry and canned products, which are easy to prepare.
Dry products like rice, pasta, beans, and oats should be on your list. And be part of the reserve in your pantry for this quarantine period. It is also important that you stock up on canned foods that have liquids like beans, tuna, and tomatoes, for example. There are other products that are not as essential but are comforting as coffee and chocolate.
Home hygiene products
You should also make sure you have household hygiene products. Products like soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper. Like tissue paper, feminine care products, and diapers if you have babies at home.
Please do not forget that one of the main and most recommended ways is to wash your hands very frequently. So you should not forget the alcohol-based hand soap and disinfectant. It is something that should not be missing in your home, much less during the quarantine period.
Medication supply
If you or any of your family members are taking prescription medications, try to have a supply of them for at least one month. You should check your prescription drugs and if necessary, you can ask your doctor to help you with the exception form.
Other medical supplies you may also need are contact lenses, contact solution. If you wear headphones, remember to stock up on batteries for them. You should also think of over-the-counter medications like pain relievers. As well as stomach remedies, vitamins, and liquids that contain electrolytes.
Keep a first aid kit
Of course, you should be prepared at home for any type of emergency. So it is recommended that you have a first aid kit in your home. This must be equipped with products so that you can treat any common injury, cuts, scratches. Also some swelling, sprain, and more. Thermometers, antibiotic ointments, gauze, bandages, are some of the basic products that you should have in your first aid kit.
Water supply
If you live in an area with limited access to water supplies, you may need to buy enough to last a quarantine of at least two weeks or more to stay hydrated.
Facial masks
Health authorities have recommended not making excessive purchases of N95 surgical masks or respirators. There are people who, because of the state of emergency with the COVID-19, are so scared that they buy more than they should. This, of course, may cause a shortage. Causing people like health workers and sick people to not have enough supplies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends face masks only for select groups. Only to people in a region experiencing an outbreak. Also for healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients and anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Don’t forget about your mental health
In the case of quarantine in your home, your mental health must also be taken into account, as well as that of your body. Try to have items in your house with which you can entertain yourself and have a pleasant time. If you are one of the people who love to be on the move and exercise, you can do it from home. There are many routines that will favor you.
Take up your favorite hobbies like knitting, reading a good book, repairing the furniture, or writing. It is also highly recommended that you keep your mind busy to put aside those negative thoughts that may appear due to quarantine. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are great for the mind. If you have children at home it is good that you also have card games and board games. You could also search for some activities for children on the Internet.
What to do while you are at home
During this quarantine period, we must all remain inside our homes. Of course not you should Go to work or children to school or common areas. Nor should we use public transport or taxis. That is why it is important that you should stock up on the supplies that you will need during this time of at least two weeks.
Since neither, you should be leaving every day to buy things you need. This period is to protect us and help to avoid further propagation of the new COVID-19. And much more important is that a person who is ill or who already begins to present the symptom of the coronavirus remains isolated.
From the moment a person starts with some symptom, will start at 14 days of mandatory quarantine. If you live alone and need help, could you consult with friends or family? But remember it’s important that the people who are going to help you are protected and you too you must take precautions not to infect them.
If there is a vulnerable person living with you
Minimize as much as you can the time these vulnerable people in your family spend in shared spaces. Spaces like kitchen, bathroom, and sitting areas. It’s also important that you make sure you keep the shared spaces well ventilated.
Try to stay at least two meters away from the vulnerable people you live with. If they can, they should use a bathroom separate from the rest of the other family members. Make sure they use separate towels from other people. Both for drying after bathing or showering and for hand hygiene.
If you share a toilet and bathroom with the person who is vulnerable, it is essential that you clean them every time you use it. That is, cleaning the surfaces with which the person has come into contact. If you share the kitchen with a vulnerable person, avoid using it while they are present.
If possible, the dishes and cutlery should be washed with the usual washing liquid and warm water and dried well. If the sick person uses his own utensils, they should be washed and dried with a different cloth. It is really very difficult to separate from a person living in the same house.
But a great effort must be made to follow the recommendations and protect the health and well-being of all. Remember to wash your hands very often. Do not touch the house and constantly clean the surfaces that are most touched.
Wash your hands often
Wash your hands very frequently and every day with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This will help to be a little more protected and protect the other members of the family.
Cover up when you cough and sneeze
It is important that you cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have disposable tissues on hand, sneeze into the crook of your flexed elbow, but not your hand. If you have a caregiver, they should use disposable tissues to clean up any mucus or phlegm after sneezing or coughing. Then they should wash their hands with soap and water right away. Of course, the handkerchiefs must be discarded in garbage bags or containers with lids.
Have no visitors at home
Do not invite or allow visitors, such as friends and other family members, to enter your home. If you want to talk to someone who is not a member of your household, use the phone or social networks. Of course, if you or a member of your family are receiving medical attention at home. It is important that they continue to visit them to monitor their health. In the same way, these people will go to your home properly protected with masks and gloves to reduce the risk of contagion.
If you have pets at home
Currently, there is no evidence that companion animals or pets, such as cats and dogs, can become infected with the coronavirus.
Take care of your well-being while you stay at home
Of course, we all agree that staying home for a long time is difficult and overwhelming. But luckily there are tons of ways you can stay in shape and fit. You don’t need a big home or a spacious garden. There are many activities, which you can easily do in your bedroom or living room.
You must keep moving and not neglect your body or mind. Also, think about all the things you can do at home. You can learn and practice a new exercise routine. Breathing, meditation, and yoga are great ways to be physically and mentally fit. You can read or try to learn a new language.
How do I know if I can truly end the quarantine?
If you live with other people, all household members who remain well and have not exhibited symptoms can end home isolation after 14 days. The 14-day period begins from the day the illness started in the first person who became ill.
The incubation period for the coronavirus COVID-19 is 14 days. That is why if you have spent those days at home without symptoms, it is very unlikely that you have contracted the infection. If a sick person feels much better after seven days, and they no longer have a high fever, they could return to their routine.
In the event that any person presents any of the symptoms late, that is, on the 13th day of quarantine. Then you should stay indoors for seven days or more. Remember that you should always consult any symptoms with your doc or the emergency lines of each locality.
You must keep in mind that by complying with all the recommended measures, you are not only protecting yourself and your family but your community. If someone has not had symptoms of improvement and has not yet sought medical help, it is important to do so.
Most of the cases have been mild and moderate. But some others have developed a slightly higher level of severity. If you have already passed the high fever and are feeling really better, don’t worry about the cough. This may last for a few more weeks even if the COVID-19 infection is gone.
Do not forget
It is good that while you are in this period of quarantine at home, you remember the importance of this confinement at home. This period of quarantine will help us all, without exception, to be more protected or to contract the infection in a mild way and similar to that of the common flu.
Older people, as well as people with some medical conditions, need to be much more careful. Since they are slightly more prone to infection. By staying home we protect everyone’s life and help prevent health workers from being so overwhelmed with outbreak cases.
