Being Prepared for the Coronavirus Does Not Mean Stockpiling or Hoarding Supplies
As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world and more people are being advised to self-isolate or to quarantine, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention has advised people to create a household plan in case there's an outbreak in their community. Keep in mind that while the virus is a serious health concern, especially for older adults or people who have chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, it's important not to panic (as of March 10, there have been 116,119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the globe, with 64,385 recoveries).
What you should do, however, is make some preparations. That means having some basic essentials on hand such as food, medicine, and cleaning supplies. But being prepared does not mean stockpiling or hoarding. While the CDC states that people should have sufficient quantities of household items and groceries in the event that they need to stay home "for a period of time," the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is recommending about two-weeks worth of supplies.
And when it come to face masks, health professionals and people who are already sick should be the only ones wearing them, says Dr. Jonathan Fielding, M.D., a professor of health policy and management at the University of California Los Angeles' Schools of Public Health and Medicine. Health workers need access to face masks and other medical supplies, and a shortage could pose an even greater health risk to communities (face masks are not thought to provide any additional benefits for healthy people in the general population, according to the Mayo Clinic).
First, you'll want to scan your pantry.
Take a quick look at what you already have on hand to make sure you don't overbuy. You don't need to go crazy with purchasing canned goods if you already have the recommended two-weeks' worth. The same goes for cleaning supplies.
Then add frozen fruits and canned vegetables, as well as non-perishables, to your grocery list.
If you have fresh produce in your home, use that up first to minimize any waste. Then, look for canned, boxed, and shelf-stable items to have on hand. When it comes to canned goods, it's always preferable to look for low-sodium versions, and cans that say they don't have BPA lining, if you can find them. Frozen foods are excellent as well. In fact, the more frozen food you pack into your freezer, the longer it will stay cold.
And it concludes is a list of what to have
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/being-prepared-coronavirus-does-not-205500974.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
The linked article on food is good, but the time advice is ...optimistic.
