As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, self-isolation or quarantine is one of the key strategies in “flattening the curve” of infection rates. These 14-day isolation periods involve individuals or families staying within their homes, and not having physical contact with those outside. With the range of school and daycare closures, as well as workplaces shutting down home quarantine may become an increasingly popular practice for the time being. 

Not only has shutting down schools and jobs made education a bit hard but it also causes a struggle for parents who are not getting paid, and have no way of obtaining the bare necessities for their families. Stores are running out of supplies like toilet paper, wipes, diapers, food, etc. and it is truly a crisis for families to purchase these items as most of it is already gone.

The Department of Homeland Security recommends stocking up on a two-week supply of food. Some important items to consider in your next shopping trip include long-lasting non perishables like canned vegetables, rice, beans, nuts and more. Frozen foods can also be beneficial if you’re looking to cook for a family. Other options include AmazonFresh, Instacart, or other grocery delivery businesses that can limit the need of human contact. 

Other home essentials are also water filters for your home in order to have access to clean water at all times, first aid kits, and feminine hygiene products. In addition to that putting thought into preparing for your pets with extra bags of kibble/canned foods, pads, and cat litter to keep pets safe and well fed.

This disease has taken a huge toll internationally and will continue to spread if not careful or took with serious precautions. Families are warned to stay inside and safe without human contact unless necessary. Wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds and keep going out to a minimum in order to “flatten the curve” of this worldwide disease.

**Latest numbers as of March 18th at 12:25pm Pacific Standard Time: 144 cases in Los Angeles County, 598 cases in California, and 7,038 in the United States.