The recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has become very stressful for everyone. This pandemic has inspired a lot of fear and anxiety across the entire world, let alone America. However, the best way to cope with the stress and fear surrounding this widespread illness is to remain calm and stay prepared at all times.
We’re all experiencing this crisis in full force, but we must remain diligent in our actions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Older people are said to be at higher risk for COVID-19, as well as those with pre-existing autoimmune disorders or respiratory issues.
In this article, we’ve broken down everything that you need to know to stay prepared and protected from the virus so that you and your family are safe. Following these simple instructions will lessen your chances of getting sick and will hopefully allow you to remain calm and serene throughout these chaotic times.
Stay Home
Try to avoid leaving the house as much as you can. Staying home will keep you away from others who are potentially infected. People are being asked to stay home to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
As more and more people become sick, more and more businesses are temporarily shutting their doors. This could prevent you from getting the supplies that you need, so make sure that you stock up on all of the essentials early so that you can remain within the “self-quarantine” guidelines.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly every time you come home from being outside or in contact with others. This means using hand soap and water, as well as hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day (even if you’ve been home all day).
Germs and bacteria spread rapidly throughout every surface in your home, whether you like it or not. Supply yourself with cleaning materials, like Lysol, to disinfect your household surfaces and limit the spread of harmful bacteria.
Also, avoid touching your face and others, as people carry germs and bacteria as well without even knowing it.
Practice Social Distancing
This may sound harsh, but social distancing is an integral aspect of remaining vigilant against the spread of COVID-19. If you live in a house where there are multiple occupants, including your spouse, children, grandparents, roommates, and other family members, then you should wash your hands frequently before touching or coming in close contact with them.
When you’re out of the house gathering supplies or anything else, keep a healthy distance from others. This will allow you to limit the contact that you have with whatever germs or bacteria that people carry on their clothes, when they breathe, and, most importantly, the things that they touch.
Stock Up On Supplies
Stock up on all of the necessary supplies that you need to self-quarantine yourself. These essential supplies include:
- Water
- Toilet paper & paper towels
- Cleaning Supplies
- Dry and canned foods (non-perishable food)
- Medicines and fever reducers
- A thermometer (digital)
Keep an ear out for public health news updates on the COVID-19 outbreak, as regulations and government notices are evolving daily. Certain Florida grocery stores, like Publix, are opening and closing at specific designated times each day, as well as restocking their inventory each morning.
If you find that you’re running low on certain essentials, like toilet paper or paper towels, then you may have to get creative. Tissue paper, napkins, wipes, or paper towels may suffice in the meantime, as long as you refrain from flushing paper towels or wipes.
You may also use a hand towel or rag as long as it’s washed with hot water. Also, do some research! Research never hurt anybody. Look up local businesses that are selling essentials like food, water, and toilet paper so that you can stock up on everything you need in the case of government-imposed mass quarantine.
Health care personnel are currently on the front lines of caring for patients with confirmed or possible infection with coronavirus. They are doing everything that they can to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus by following Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases.
