Should You Prepare for a New Lockdown? Pandemic Shopping List UPDATED
Hygiene products
It may seem silly, but washing your hand regularly and thoroughly is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from coronavirus and help prevent the spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Therefore, your home quarantine kit should not lack soap, sanitizers and household cleaners such as bleach wipes and alcohol. Wipe all door handles, kitchen counters, faucets and other surfaces you constantly touch at least two times a day.
- Antibacterial soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Disinfecting wipes
- Feminine care products
- Diapers, if you have small children
- Toilet paper
- Laundry detergent
- Cat litter
Medical products
Apart from household hygienic products, it’s important that the pandemic safety kit also includes an adequate supply of any daily or prescription medications you take, to last you at least 30 days, recommends the US Department of Homeland Security.
Considering that many prescriptions are given in limited quantities, you can ask your doctor or insurance provider to help you with an extended supply of medication.
The following medical items are also useful to have:
- A thermometer and acetaminophen, in case of fever.
- Over-the-counter medicines (such as antihistamines, pain relievers, cough suppressants, plus other medicines in case of nausea and diarrhea.
- American Red Cross First aid kit with 120 medical-grade items, from aspirin to gauze, sting relief and instant ice pack
- Pocket tissue packs
- Other miscellaneous medical supplies such as contact lenses and disinfecting solution, glasses
- Disposable Face Mask
Gear
Contrary to what the general public believes, authorities do not recommend wearing face masks to prevent viruses. In fact, the CDC specifically stated that masks should only be worn by people in a region with an outbreak, healthcare workers tending to coronavirus patients, and individuals who experience flu-like symptoms.
Here’s what you might need:
