In just a few weeks, the new coronavirus has
made serious inroads into American communities, even as its global death toll
grows. Many health experts are saying that the opportunity to contain the
spread of the virus is over; now, it's time to do what we can to mitigate what
the World Health Organization is now deeming a pandemic.
Many people are worried about what they should
do as the situation develops. Should they hunker down at home—and is there
anything they should do there to prepare?
Here are several things you can do to protect
your home and your family from the virus—and to be ready if it crops up in your
community.
Stock up on supplies
Curbing your exposure to the coronavirus
starts with limiting your exposure to people who might be carrying it. In other
words, stay home! As you would with a severe weather event, it's suggested you
stock up on enough food to last for a couple of weeks, according to the American
Red Cross.
Pantry staples are easy to pick up and store,
including cereal, crackers, pasta, rice, frozen veggies, and canned goods
(beans, tuna). And don't forget toilet paper, as well as laundry and dish
detergent.
Soups and Gatorade are worth adding to your
cart, too, since staying hydrated will be important if anyone in the family
falls sick. If you have a baby on board, also make sure you have enough formula
and diapers on hand.
How to fight
coronavirus germs at home
While not much is yet known about how long
COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, Stephen Morse, a professor of
epidemiology at Columbia University Medical Center, told NPR that based on previous coronaviruses
(yes, this isn't the first), he thinks that COVID-19 can be killed by most
household cleaners, including bleach, alcohol, or even plain old soap and
water. The reason: This coronavirus is surrounded by a lipid covering that soap
can break down.
As a result, wiping down counters, doorknobs,
faucets, cellphones, and other areas that often come in contact with people's
hands can go a long way toward preventing the spread of germs and sickness in
the home.
"Viruses can persist on surfaces, so
anything you can do to keep them clean is a help, including the use of bleach
solutions and disinfecting wipes," says Bill Carroll, an
adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University.
The same germ-prevention advice holds for your
hands and mouth.
"Alcohol in hand sanitizers helps, but
washing your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, is better," Carroll
urges. "Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands, and
always cover your mouth when you cough."
Last but not definitely least, make sure to
wash your hands with soap and water frequently, for 20 seconds at a time. In
fact, make a habit of washing your hands as soon as you walk in your front
door.
Check your medicine
cabinet
If you take a certain medication daily, it's
smart to make sure you have enough in your cabinet.
"I don't think you'll need six months' worth,
but an extra month or two is a hedge against potential supply-chain
shortages," says Carroll. Pick up other medicine cabinet basics you might
be missing, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and bandages.
As for wearing face masks outside the house,
that probably helps as much as covering your mouth when you cough, says
Carroll. That is, if it turns out you're the sick one, you'll be reducing other
people's exposure to a degree, but it won't do much for your own risk from
others.
"Unless the mask is capable of filtering
viruses and tightly fitted to prevent inhaling air around it, it's not of much
use, and it doesn't protect you if you rub your eyes, because it's not a full
face shield," he explains.
Consider working
remotely
As fear of the effects of the coronavirus has
spread, some businesses are urging employees to work from home, especially if
their work involves travel to Europe or Asia. If you think you might need to
work remotely in the coming weeks or months, take stock of your home office and
be sure it has all you need. Order enough paper, ink, toner, and other work
supplies, so you can be productive in case you need to work there.
Lie low if you're sick
Got a bug? Whether it's the seasonal flu or
something worse, it's always best to stay home.
Claim your home and get tips on remodeling and design
inspiration.
Jennifer Kelly Geddes creates content
for Livestrong.com, the National Sleep Foundation, American
Airlines Vacations, Oxo, and Mastercard.
Follow @jkgeddes
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