When the news about the new coronavirus (COVID-19) first came out in the United States, American shoppers started hunting for hand sanitizers and face masks almost emptying the shelves of the nearby grocery stores and pharmacies.
More so, as the number of COVID-9 cases in this country has risen, some worried consumers have stocked up even further-on nonperishable food, over-the-counter medications, bottled water and household essentials like cleaning wipes, toilet paper, alcohol, and pet food, in case there is a need for them to do self-quarantine.
Early today, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus as a pandemic as the "confirmed cases spread to at least 114 countries.
With this latest development on COVID-19, how prepared are we?
If you just realized you're not prepared at all, here are some of the many things you can do in response to the pandemic virus:
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What to Buy
There is a recommendation from the US Department of Homeland Security via its website that, to store at least, a two-week supply of food and water, and over-the-counter medicines.
The department said, it is important to have any nonprescription drugs, and other health supplies too such as stomach remedies, pain relievers, vitamins, electrolytes, fluids, and cold medicines.
Places to Avoid
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released travel alerts and warnings related to COVID-19. As of Wednesday, the center recommends that travelers avoid all unimportant trips to South Korea and Main China.
More so, travel alerts for older adults and those with chronic health conditions to consider delaying nonessential tours that have been issued for Iran, Japan and Italy.
If there are places within your community like the library or grocery store, that you need to avoid, health officials highly recommend to just be aware of avoiding people who are possibly sick.
Choose to Work from Home
Community spread of COVID-19 can be reasonably mild or quite severe. Nevertheless, employees need to talk to employers whether working from home or online can be an option.
As for the employers, you should plan for probably, including flexible sick leave policies or telework into your business operations if there is a considerable spread of COVID-19 across the country.
For sick employees, you should not go back to work until your temperature has stayed under 100°F or 37.8°C.
When to Use a Facemask
If you're well or you're not sick, the CDC does not recommend that you wear a facemask. Instead, the center suggests to only wear the mask if the health care professional recommends.
Relatively, a facemask should be used by someone who has the virus and is showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of acquiring the infection.
In general, wearing a facemask remains critical for health workers and people who provide care for someone who is infected with coronavirus in a close setting like a home or health care facility.
If a Housemate has the Virus, or, He Suspects so...
The first and best thing to do is determine if you have COVID-19 or feel the symptom. If you develop a cough, shortness of breath or fever within 14 days from a trip to China, call your doctor immediately.
If you've had close contact with a person who has travel history and is seen or observed those symptoms, you need to call your doctor immediately.
