With the Coronavirus (Covid-19) having now spread from China to every continent on the planet except Antarctica, including populated countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Italy, UK, Iran, Nigeria, Australia and the US, it may be time for us to consider taking measures to ensure that we are well prepared in the event that the outbreak moves closer to home and we become affected. There are two ways to prepare for a coronavirus outbreak: 1) Taking steps to protect yourself from becoming infected; and 2) Having a plan so that you are able to comfortably sit it out at home should your community be put on lock down or quarantine. This article provides some Coronavirus tips to help maintain your health and sanity in the event of an outbreak or lock down/quarantine.

How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus Infection

Coronavirus is a virus with flu-like symptoms that affects the respiratory system. It is believed to have originated from infected wildlife (possibly pangolins) sold at Chinese markets, where it was passed on to humans. Human to human transmission occurs via airborne droplets of saliva expelled when an infected person exhales, coughs or sneezes. The virus can persist on surfaces such as railings and door handles and be passed on when a person touches these contaminated surfaces. However, there are several precautionary measures you can take to limit the likelihood of exposure to Coronavirus, as outlined below.

Coronavirus Protection Measures

✓ Keep away from busy, crowded areas where you are forced to be in close proximity to others wherever possible.

✓ If you do venture out, wear a good quality protective face mask and ensure that it is replaced (and correctly disposed) as soon as it becomes moist.

✓ Wash your hands regularly, and for extra protection, wipe with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60-90 % alcohol).

✓ Take steps to boost your immune system with supplements such as vitamin C and other immune boosters.

✓ Keep household surfaces clean and wipe down with a good sanitizing agent.

How to Prepare for a Lock Down or Quarantine

Being forced to stay in the comfort of your home may not sound so bad. In fact your kids may at first be overjoyed at the thought of having a few weeks off school. But once you are actually confined to your home for a lengthy period of time, reality will soon set it, and if you are insufficiently prepared your life could be miserable at best. The following checklist will help ensure that you are well prepared should this become a reality.

Coronavirus Preparedness Checklist

✓ First and foremost, ensure that you have a good supply of non-perishable food items, such as dried or canned beans, vegetables, fish and meats, soups, rice and/or pasta to provide the nutritional needs of your family.

✓ Stock up on pet food and pet bedding/cat litter if required.

✓ Have enough water stored to meet your family's (including pet's) needs (drinking, cooking, bathing) for 2-3 weeks minimum. If you rely on bottled-water for your drinking water, it may be a good idea to invest in a good quality water filter so that you can rather filter your tap water. Bottled water supplies may very likely to be in short supply, and shops may be forced to close if the city is put on lock down. By the same token, should staff at water treatment facilities be affected, these may also not be fully operational, which could affect the quality and supply of your tap water. Having sufficient water stored to meet your family's needs and a good water filter on hand can help prevent a crisis.

✓ Ensure you have a good supply of basic household necessities and toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and shampoo.

✓ Keep a supply of drinks that contain electrolytes in case someone in your family becomes unwell and you need to keep them hydrated.

✓ Ensure that you have a well stocked basic medicine kit containing a thermometer and medications necessary to treat headache, fever and coughs, as well as anti-diarrheal medication.

✓ Have a supply of any prescription medications needed by family members to avoid potential delays that may arise due to a Coronavirus outbreak.

✓ Keep a good supply of 60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wipe down surfaces and hands.

✓ It is always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case of an emergency.

By taking these simple precautions and preparations you can hopefully stay safe and comfortable in the event of the Coronavirus affecting your community.