NEW DELHI: The number of coronavirus patients in the country has risen to 75, including the death of a 76-year-old man in Karnataka, the Union health ministry said on Friday.
As the new coronavirus keeps turning up in more places, health experts say it’s wise to prepare for wider spread. But people shouldn’t panic or hoard large amounts of supplies, they stress.
So what should you do?
Some common-sense steps that are useful for any emergency, such as severe weather, can help get you and your family ready in case you need to hunker down.
A good way to think about planning is "if you had to be quarantined for 14 days at home,” how would you cope?
More on Covid-19
Talk and plan
Start by talking with family members about how to take care of each other, discuss emergency preparations with neighbors and investigate resources such as food and meal delivery services in case you can’t go out for food.
Consider options for working from home, if possible, and what to do if schools or daycare centers close.
Pick a room that could be used to separate a sick person from the rest of the family.
Coronavirus outbreak: Complete coverage
Food and water
How much food should you have on hand? The advice varies. A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance for general emergency preparedness says at least a three-day supply. The US Department of Homeland Security recommends two weeks and Harvard University experts suggest two weeks to 30 days.
"You may not be able to get to a store, or stores may be out of supplies, so it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand," the Harvard site says.
That means nonperishable and ready-to-eat foods. Consider special needs such as allergies, medical conditions such as diabetes, babies who might need ready-to-feed formula and toddlers who might need shelf-stable milk.
It seems unlikely that water service would be disrupted, but try to store some water also.
Don’t forget about pets.
Medicines
Some doctors advise for having a three-month supply of important medications, such as those for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Don’t forget other health supplies such as over-the-counter pain relievers and stomach remedies.
Cleaning supplies
Clean things that are touched a lot — countertops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles — daily using ordinary detergent and water.
As the new coronavirus keeps turning up in more places, health experts say it’s wise to prepare for wider spread. But people shouldn’t panic or hoard large amounts of supplies, they stress.
So what should you do?
Some common-sense steps that are useful for any emergency, such as severe weather, can help get you and your family ready in case you need to hunker down.
A good way to think about planning is "if you had to be quarantined for 14 days at home,” how would you cope?
More on Covid-19
Talk and plan
Start by talking with family members about how to take care of each other, discuss emergency preparations with neighbors and investigate resources such as food and meal delivery services in case you can’t go out for food.
Consider options for working from home, if possible, and what to do if schools or daycare centers close.
Pick a room that could be used to separate a sick person from the rest of the family.
Coronavirus outbreak: Complete coverage
Food and water
How much food should you have on hand? The advice varies. A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance for general emergency preparedness says at least a three-day supply. The US Department of Homeland Security recommends two weeks and Harvard University experts suggest two weeks to 30 days.
"You may not be able to get to a store, or stores may be out of supplies, so it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand," the Harvard site says.
That means nonperishable and ready-to-eat foods. Consider special needs such as allergies, medical conditions such as diabetes, babies who might need ready-to-feed formula and toddlers who might need shelf-stable milk.
It seems unlikely that water service would be disrupted, but try to store some water also.
Don’t forget about pets.
Medicines
Some doctors advise for having a three-month supply of important medications, such as those for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Don’t forget other health supplies such as over-the-counter pain relievers and stomach remedies.
Cleaning supplies
Clean things that are touched a lot — countertops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles — daily using ordinary detergent and water.
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