How to Prepare for a Home Quarantine

Before we look at what you need to stay at home, lets understand what quarantine means. Quarantine is for people who seem healthy at a glance but have been exposed to the virus increasing the possibility of becoming ill.  This includes people who have travelled from or through the afflicted regions and those who have been in contact with sick individuals.

Isolation is for sick individuals who have been diagnosed with corona virus and are undergoing treatment but are still a danger to family and friends.

Self quarantine is a safety measure for healthy individuals who may not have been exposed to the disease but have chosen to stay home to reduce the risk of being infected or spreading the virus to others in case they are unknowingly sick.

Here is a list of what you might need to prepare for a home quarantine. Remember the future is still unknown and it is better to be ready to deal with the worst scenario. Here is what you may need to avoid unnecessary movement and contact with the outside world until the virus is eradicated.

Basic items

Think in terms of your basic needs. Food is what comes to mind for most people. There’s no need to go overboard when stocking food items. Aim for a simple balanced diet.  Onions, noodles, sugar, drinking chocolate, tea leaves, coffee, cereals, pasta, beans, lentils, eggs and canned foods like tomato paste and canned vegetables are the best options in this case.  If you have a young one in the house, you may need to shop separately for them for nutrition reasons.

It is unlikely that people will forget food items. Let’s look at what may people fail to remember.

·         Garlic, ginger and lemon

·         Soaps and detergents

·         Tissue paper, diapers, antiseptic liquids, wet wipes, bleach and sanitary towels.

·         Medicines: this includes pain medication.

·         People with underlying medical conditions like ulcers and asthma should stock enough prescribed medicines.

·         First aid kit

·         If you are working from home, think of the basics you need for your job and buy them in bulk.

·         Deposit money in your bank or M-pesa account for purchasing airtime.

·         If you have a pet, do not forget to buy his/her food and medical supplies too.