A lot of people have prepared for the risk of city shutdowns. A lot have not. If you’re part of the “have not” group, we have some suggestions for you, and how to prepare for a last minute quarantine.
First things first, if you are having any symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath, stay home. If anyone in your home has these symptoms, stay home and order online. The quicker we can get this virus quarantined and not infecting new people, the faster it will go away and the faster we can resume our lives. You might not be worried about getting it if you’re young, but if you’re still spreading it, it will not go away!
We don’t recommend going to the nearest store and stocking up on everything you see either way. You should be staying in right now when possible, and come on people, leave some things on the shelves for those in need like the elderly who don’t have an amazon account. If you do go, be sure to sanitize your hands thoroughly, and only touch the things you are going to buy. Try to use credit cards, not cash, as cash can harbor the virus.
We also suggest starting your shopping online as we believe there is more to be purchased there then in stores. Walmart, Amazon, Target, etc, still have their online delivery services running. Whatever is sold out on online sites, you can try to get at the store. Before going to the store, try calling to see if they have what you need in stock. It may save you a lot of time and travel.
First things first, NO, you do not need to stock up on 1000 bottles of plastic water bottles. A Brita Water Pitcher is all you need. They are still available on Amazon and other sites online, as well as the filters needed. The government will Most Likely keep the water on for hygiene reasons. If you are worried it will turn off, store the water you’ve filtered from your Brita. Drinking water can only be really stored properly for short amounts of time (6 months max).
Buy long lasting food. Peanut butter, jelly, rice, pasta, granola bars, canned soup, oat milk for the little ones (and you). ETC!
Perishable food can be frozen. For example, a head of broccoli can be washed, chopped and frozen. Salmon, chicken and steak should go in the freezer.
Stock up (realistically) on medicine. Purchase supplies like toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers for kids, and formula if you can still find it. Buy soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry soap. Shampoo, conditioner. ETC.
If you need to see a doctor, Call First! They likely won’t accept you unless you call. They also might come out to your car to test you for the flu first. If you test negative for the flu, they will likely have you use another entrance. Follow protocol whatever it is.
Wishing everyone the best of luck, and also hoping you all enjoy the articles we are still posting daily.