There are simple, practical things you can do to prepare in case you or someone in your household contracts Covid-19, or if Covid becomes common in our community.
MAKE A PLAN THAT INCLUDES:
- Essential supplies on hand so you will not need to leave your home if you become ill. Avoid panic buying — add a few extra items every time you shop.
- Remember to renew your prescription medications.
- Alternative arrangements in case you become ill or if you need to care for a sick family member.
These may include back-up child care, and someone to care for your animals if you have to self-isolate away from home.
- Talk to your employer about working from home if possible.
- Share your plan with family, friends and neighbours, and set up a buddy system to check on each other.
HAVE YOUR CONTACTS READY:
Ensure you have the phone numbers and contact details of important people and services close to hand.
- Healthcare — your doctor, pharmacy, Healthline and your support network.
- Family, friends, neighbours, school and work.
SHOPPING CHECKLIST:
- Food — dried pasta and rice, pasta sauces, canned soups, vegetables and beans, pet food and supplies, special foods for babies, dried or long-life milk, baking supplies.
- Hygiene — toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, nappies and wipes, facial tissue, soap, shampoo and conditioner, alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Healthcare — regular medicines, thermometer, fever-reducing medications (e.g. paracetamol/ibuprofen), throat lozenges, medical masks, household rubber gloves, tissues, heat and cool packs.
- Cleaning — paper towels, plastic bin bags, laundry detergent, regular household cleaning products, hard-surface disinfectant or, if not available, concentrated (5%) liquid bleach and a separate container for dilution.
BE PREPARED FOR BEING AT HOME:
Have plenty of things on hand to keep everyone entertained while isolating at home.
These could include puzzles, books, magazines, cards/games, podcasts, music, TV/streaming services, colouring and other activities for children; radio, community and daily newspapers; batteries; outdoor activities for in your yard; house projects to keep adults who are well busy.
