A specialist with the New Mexico State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences is offering useful tips on how to properly plan for self-isolation during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Sonja Koukel, Family Health and Wellness specialist for the NMSU Department of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, cautioned that while there is no cause for panic, people should still prepare for the unexpected.
“While many people are stocking up on toilet paper, a better use of your household income is to focus on food, household supplies and medical essentials,” Koukel said.
Koukel recommends having enough supplies on hand for a 14-day quarantine. Among the items to stock up on are:
– Dry goods such as rice, pasta, beans, oats and ready-to-eat cereals
– Canned foods that contain liquid, such as tomatoes, beans and tuna. The excess liquid can be used to cook the dried goods, if necessary.
– Canned fruits
– Canned meats
– Comfort foods such as chocolate, coffee, ice cream and other foods that bring you pleasure. These foods can help with positive mental health and morale during a home quarantine.
– Pet food
– Household hygienic products such as hand soap, dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, hand sanitizer (made with at least 60 percent alcohol), toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, feminine care products and diapers
– Prescription medications (if possible, get a 30-day supply)
– Other medical supplies like contact lenses and solution, hearing aid batteries, and over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and cough and cold medicines.
– Entertainment items such as books, board games, card games, puzzles and movies.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the NMSU Coronavirus webpage, https://nmsu.edu/coronavirus.