With news of an infected patient who have neither travelled nor been in contact with an infected person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is telling Americans that they should be prepared for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their community.
What does it mean to be prepared?
-
- Don’t Panic!
- Stock up on meds. Make sure you a few weeks worth.
- The same goes for food. If there’s an outbreak in your community you don’t want to be around crowds. Non perishables are great!
- Bottled Water. You want to make sure to always be properly hydrated.
- Cleaning supplies. COVID-19, like other coronaviruses, should be able to be killed with bleach and alcohol.
- Face masks – While it’s not a foolproof preventative measure, it can help spreading viruses to others, especially the vulnerable like the elderly. The is a N 95
is a great mask
- Telecommuting – Talk to your boss about your ability to work from home if COVID-19 is spreading locally. This is especially true in big cities with public transportation where many people congregate.
- Be alert! If you show early signs such as coughing call your doctor’s office, don’t just walk in where you might infect others. If you’re having trouble breathing, if you’re dehydrated, that’s a different story, then head to the emergency room.