Pandemic or Lock Down Shopping List: Essential items for Self Quarantine at Home
Covering health is not my regular beat as a writer, but as a mom who lived in California with a child whose school was closed for three weeks that turned into the rest of 2020, I’ve been doing my fair share of research for how to stock a house properly during a pandemic.
As we all know, it was business as usual across all fronts and then the feeling and vibe around preparedness and safety seemed to shift. As I began seeing friends posting about the toilet paper shortages and empty shelves at grocery stores, I joined the masses and began to research what you need at home during a quarantine.
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Related Articles & Must-Have Health Products for Home:
- Virus & Bacteria Killing Air Purifier (kill germs at home)
- Virus Removing Water Purifier (also removes Bacteria, Cryptosporidium, E-Coli)
- DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer Recipe
- Hand Sanitizer on Amazon
- Travel Restrictions for US Citizens
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With the Coronavirus pandemic now an epidemic, Americans from across the country are facing the reality of now having to spend two weeks or possibly more in self-quarantine at home. With people panicking all over about the potential spread of this outbreak Americans are concerned there won’t be enough toilet paper and hand sanitizer: but really what items are most essential to have that will help us get through a 2 to 4-week possible pandemic? What supplies should you have on hand at home to keep your family and yourself safe and healthy while this all runs the course?
As the number of reported Coronavirus cases in the U.S. continues to rise, many Americans are preparing for the possibility of a quarantine. Before I share the list of what I believe is essential to have on hand please keep the following in mind:
- Don’t stress, remain calm and we can get through this together.
- Don’t hoard: Buy one or two of items in short supply.
- Be neighborly: check with neighbors or Facebook friends to see if any need assistance getting supplies.
Thousands of people in the US and tens of thousands around the world are already living in semi-voluntary home quarantine, and more and more companies are asking employees to work from home because of the virus.
Many universities have closed and moved to online classes for the remainder of the semester and elementary, middle and high schools are temporarily closing in many states throughout the United States for at least the remainder of March and some through April and May. Many schools are discussing closing for the remainder of the school year. As of today, 29 states have closed all schools according to U.S. News and World Report.
If you’re quarantined at home for 2 weeks, there are certain supplies you’ll want to stock up on, including dry and canned goods, household supplies, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications.
With the Coronavirus pandemic upon us, Americans from coast to coast are facing the very real prospect of having to spend two weeks sitting at home. That raises a serious question: What supplies should you have on hand to carry you through a 14-day stint at home?
To prepare for a self-quarantine at home during the Coronavirus pandemic, you should stock up a 14-day supply of food for every person — and pet — in your household. Focus on dry and canned goods that are easy to prepare.
Toilet paper and bottled water have been flying off store shelves, but the list of essentials is quite a bit longer. When stockpiling your quarantine kit, make sure to include hand soap, sanitizers, and disinfectants.
We urge you to make your own list and order these items below right away so you know you will have what you need on hand as this Coronavirus runs the course and hopefully is over within a few weeks. But if it’s not you will want to have the following on hand immediately:
The below items are all available for delivery on Amazon. I plan to check availability for items and update them daily if they are no longer in stock.
13 Non-Food Essentials During
- A first aid kit to treat any injuries
- A no-touch thermometer
- Matches or a lighter
- 40-Hour Long Burning Candles
- Virus & Bacteria Killing Air Purifier (kill germs at home)
- Virus Removing Water Purifier (also removes Bacteria, Cryptosporidium, E-Coli)
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cough suppressants, vitamins and medicines to help you in case of vomiting or diarrhea.
- Pet food & Cat Litter (Make sure you have sufficient pet food, litter and other supplies on hand for your furry friends)
- Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Hand Sanitizer Wipes (These are the items everyone is trying to get their hands on. Fortunately, you if you do a little digging on Amazon; as of today you can still find these items with a short wait time for delivery)
- Laundry detergent, dish detergent & soap
- Hand soap, sanitizers, and disinfectants.
Food Essentials
- Non-perishables (grains, rice, oats, pasta, nuts, granola bars, protein powder)
- Canned foods (beans, tomatoes, pasta sauce, tuna, soup, fruits)
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (no more than you need for one week at a time)
- Back up bottled water and Electrolyte Hydration Powder Sticks
It’s essential to have a ready supply of medicine and other health care products on hand. Aim to have at least a 30-day supply of your prescription medications. Since most prescription drugs come with quantity limits, you can ask your doctor or insurance provider to help you submit an exception form.
You’ll also want to make sure to have over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cough suppressants, vitamins and medicines to help you in case of vomiting or diarrhea.
Boost Your Vitamin C Another of my top tips to stay healthy is taking Vitamin C. I use Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C because it is designed to help your body absorb more vitamin C. Along with many of the above products it helps to help maintain a healthy immune system. I also love that these are in single packets and take up very little space when packing.
There are so many great ways to stay healthy and I believe one of the most important is to build a strong immune system. Stock up on grapefruit seed extract GSE. If my stomach starts to feel funny I put a few drops in filtered water and drink it. I also double up on my probiotic.
Travelan is a dietary supplement high in antibodies that help prevent diarrhea. Simply take one pill before each meal to stay super healthy. DiaResQ, is a backup for Travelan and if you do end up with severe diarrhea. It is supposed to stop diarrhea with just two doses.
If this gets worse before it gets better you’ll want to have copies of your health records and other personal documents.
Fun Items and Games
We hope that you found everything you need at home if you’re quarantined for two weeks, but you also don’t want to become bored during your quarantine. I know I can only watch movies and TV shows on Netflix for so long. Consider having some board games, toys, books, magazines and other fun stuff to keep the family occupied.
My favorite card games are Rat-a-Tat-Cat and Skip-bo. They are fun for kids and adults.
What You need at Home During the COVID-1 Virus Quarantine
The US Department of Homeland Security recommends stocking up enough food and water for two weeks before a pandemic strikes. The family lockdown guide: how to emotionally prepare for time at home includes more than food, so here are our top suggestions.
Dry goods like rice, pasta, beans, and oats should be the foundation of your “stock up”, Alyssa Pike, a registered dietitian and manager of nutrition communications at the International Food Information Council, recently told Business Insider.
The American Red Cross also recommends that you have at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person in the household.
If your water is untreated, you’ll need to buy water filters or water purification tablets to make it safe to drink. You can also stock up in other hydrating liquids like Pedialyte and Gatorade.
You should also stock up on canned foods that contain liquid, such as tomatoes, beans, and tuna, according to Pike. The excess liquid can be used to cook dried food like rice and pasta. (Make sure you have a can opener.)
And don’t neglect comforting food items like chocolate and coffee, even if they’re not strictly essential. As Business Insider recently reported, such items can make a big difference in your mental health and morale during a home quarantine.
Who Should Self-Quarantine?
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that certain people self-quarantine for 14 days if they’ve been in close contact with someone they know is infected. In addition, people with COVID-19 symptoms — including a cough, fever, and shortness of breath — should self-isolate for 14 days, the CDC says.
Keep in mind that people who feel well are currently asked to stay home only if they meet very specific criteria of close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, or if they’ve recently returned from certain countries where the coronavirus is spreading widely.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that certain people self-quarantine for 14 days if they’ve been in close contact with someone they know is infected. In addition, people with COVID-19 symptoms — including a cough, fever, and shortness of breath — should self-isolate for 14 days, the CDC says.
Keep in mind that people who feel well are currently asked to stay home only if they meet very specific criteria of close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, or if they’ve recently returned from certain countries where the coronavirus is spreading widely.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands!
This one is key since you can kill the coronavirus with a thorough scrub that lasts at least 20 seconds. Don’t get freaked out about the hand sanitizer shortage when you’re at home. If you’ve quarantined or isolated yourself, you aren’t moving in shared public spaces and so don’t really need it.
Washing your hands is almost always a better option, as long as soap and water are available.
Make Sure to Get Off the Couch and Exercise
Exercise: If you can find the space, try to get in a little workout. Being cooped up in one place can get you down, and endorphins are great mood boosters. Have a routine: If you usually get up, make breakfast, take a shower and get dressed for work, then do those things even if you’re working from home. The gym might not be the ideal workout situation at the moment, but you can still head out for a walk and get some fresh air and sunshine! Set up a yoga mat and stretch or look for included workout routines on Amazon Prime or other streaming services.
I hope this article is helpful. I’d also love to know what is missing from the list. What do you plan to buy for home quarantine during the coronavirus? What is on your Coronavirus grocery list?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this article is not meant to be taken as medical advice. I’m merely sharing the ways I plan to stay healthy during this virus. You should consult with your personal doctor to see what’s right for you.
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Nice detailed post with links to items that I wasn’t familiar with. One suggestion is a Britta pitcher to filter tap water. They sell the filters in 10 packs at Costco for a good price. Also, an exercise ball might be good idea because a PT just suggested that draping yourself over it provides postural drainage. This is essential if you get COVID-19, are told to stay home and your lungs are filling with fluid.