With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have now adapted to having masks and sanitizers as the most important parts of our daily lives. It’s crazy how life has shifted in such immense ways within a year.
The unexpected spread of the virus had everyone running around for sanitizers and masks in the first half of the pandemic.
Lockdown restrictions forced everyone to stock up the essential goods at any moment they became accessible.
COVID-19 Essential Items That You Need To Stock At Home
Contents
A global pandemic is unpredictable and therefore we cannot do immediate planning unlike preparing to tackle a climate change or natural disaster through weather forecasts.
But hopefully, we are learning from the past which requires us to prepare better.
Also, with the increased spread of deadly variants and the possibility of more lockdowns, we are forced to be more alert. No one wants to run out of supplies the way we did last year.
As you read further into this article, you will able to have an idea of what are the necessary goods that you need to have to face the global crisis in a better way-
Infrared Thermometer/ Temperature Gun
High fever is known to be one of the most important symptoms of the Novel-Coronavirus. As we know, a thermometer helps to check body temperature and variations.
Using a thermometer gun enables one to check the body temperature from a distance at the same time prevents virus person-to-person transmission.
Although, I wouldn’t advise you to self-diagnose as fever can be linked to various other diseases or infections, having a thermometer at your house can always come in handy to check for increased body temperature.
Know more about –Testing, Quarantine, And Isolation During Pandemic Days
Keeping sufficient food supply
Lack of food supply was the second-worst matter that we had to face along with the virus attack. The local shops shut down and raging unemployment especially in the small-scale sector, lead the world to the verge of food insecurity.
Online food delivery and online grocery shopping was the only choice.
And even though things are getting back to normal, uncertainty remains.
To not run out of supplies again, here are a few suggestions on the list of essential food items that you may need to stock up-
- Milk: It never fails to come in handy. You can store either shelf-stable milk or refrigerated milk depending on your choice.
- Bread and cereal: The ideal goods that you need to have whenever you run out of food. You can easily store it for a few months.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Cold storage of fruits and vegetables is an easy way to not run out of these essentials.
- Canned goods: Canned vegetables, fruits, soups, noodles, etc. are a great choice to keep nutritious food for a longer period.
- Dried fruits and nuts: They are an ideal choice for snacks. Cashews, apricots, raisins, dates, etc. are highly nutritious at the same time are long-lasting.
Disinfectant sprays
Disinfectant sprays are crucial as it helps to clean the virus-exposed surfaces or areas and can be used any time anywhere. You can use it to clean your doorknobs, bike handles, kitchen counters, electronic devices, etc.
First Aid Kit
Now, this is commonly used in every household. But during these tough times, it is mandatory to have it. Ensure that your first aid kit contains all the required materials such especially medicines such as paracetamol and various other painkillers.
Also, if you or anyone at your home is suffering from any underlying health condition, especially if it is lung or heart disease, diabetes, etc, ensure to stock the necessary medications too.
Kid and baby products
Running out of diapers, wipes, and other baby products when you have a kid at home can be difficult to deal with. You must stock up the necessary products at least as a 2-week supply.
It is saddening that this is the age for kids to go out to play and make friends, but they too have to stay at home due to the coronavirus.
Even though you give them electronic gadgets to keep them busy, it can bring health consequences. So make sure that you buy toys, puzzles or arrange to see their favorite movie to provide healthy entertainment.
Essentials during sickness
Despite stocking thermometer and first aid as important necessities, you may require a few other essentials during sickness.
Note that, upon being diagnosed as sick or suffering from a cold, you need to remain indoors and practice maximum social distancing.
Here are a few items that you need to store-
- Tissues
- Cough medicines.
- Tea and other nutritional drinks to keep you hydrated and reduce tiredness.
- Pain killers and fever reducers which you can as per the recommendations of your doctor.
To conclude…
The damage caused to our livelihoods in the past year has been devastating and recovery remains in question.
The only measure that we can undertake to bring this pandemic under our control is practicing the basic covid guidelines given to us.
But an important piece of advice that I would like to give you is that you needn’t panic buy! With the beaming uncertainty of the future, it is understandable that you may feel anxious about running out of stock supplies again.
But keep in mind that when you buy large supplies of these necessities at once, it might affect the ones who are the most in need.
Also, do not buy too many masks! At the beginning of the pandemic, masses of people ended up panic buying too many masks and as a result, the healthcare workers had to face a sudden shortage.
Make sure that you buy the required goods in sufficient quantities for yourself and raise awareness for others to practice the same.
Read further to know about –How To Be Cautious When The Coronavirus Is Still Hanging Around?