Thanks to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), more than 500 people have been placed under quarantine. Of these, about 300 are quarantined at home. Are you one of them? Here is a survival guide for when you have been ordered by the authorities to stay in their designated locations at all times and refrain from making physical contact with others.
Get your food and other essential supplies delivered.
During the quarantine period, stay in your designated location at all times. If you are at home, you can use various delivery services to get your food, water, groceries, and other supplies, such as Foodpanda, Deliveroo and Redmart. However, to avoid physical interaction with the rider, you need to leave instructions for your order to be left outside your door.
Try to get a two-week supply of food items that are non-perishable and that you can store in your pantry, like UHT and powdered milk, frozen vegetables,and canned fruits. Get a supply of antibacterial wipes, sanitiser, rubbing alcohol, disposable tissue, and latex gloves, as well. Make sure your first aid kit has the necessities, too, such as paracetamol, a thermometer, and any other medication your doctor may have prescribed.
Practice proper hygiene.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitisers whenever necessary. Do not share your food with anyone at home, either. Use disinfectant to clean anything that you touch, especially surfaces that other people in the household might touch. To keep everyone else in the household safe, remember not to touch each other, too.
Keep a normal routine.
As much as possible, keep a normal routine going. Do your chores once you’re feeling a bit better and work on things you need to work on from home. If you have any extra time, do some things that you usually don’t have time for.
Exercise regularly.
Watch YouTube videos or download apps like Nike Training Club to keep fit. You can also read this article on fitness hacks shared by celebrity Instagrammers for an intensive workout in your cosy bedroom. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, which can counter depression and stress, and can help keep your spirits up. If you’re lucky enough to have a home garden or a backyard, maybe it’s time to cultivate those green fingers.
Work from home.
Talk to your boss about working from home if possible. This way, you will still feel useful and productive and won’t feel too cut off from the outside world.
If you are self-employed or an employer who is financially affected by the quarantine order, you can make claims of up to $100 a day under the Quarantine Order Allowance Scheme.
Stay in touch with family and friends who do not stay in your household.
Maintaining a normal social life is very important so you don’t feel disconnected from the world. Knowing that you have a support system outside is also important. Your friends might even be able to drop off your groceries and supplies if needed. Just make sure they leave them at the front door for safety reasons.
Monitor the rest of the household.
If you do not live alone, make sure you (remotely) monitor the rest of your family. If anyone in your home has symptoms similar to yours, contact your doctor right away to stop it from spreading and to treat it right away.
Stay positive.
A positive attitude will keep you sane and will ensure that your family doesn’t panic.
The quarantine order will be over sooner than you know it! Hang in there. The public thanks you for your conscientiousness.
